Jillian Segal appointed as Australian special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and report directly to Prime Minister Albanese
Australia has taken a significant step in addressing the rise of anti-Semitism by appointing Jillian Segal, a Jewish lawyer and business leader, as a special envoy. Segal will work closely with Jewish Australians, the wider public, and government officials to combat anti-Jewish sentiment in the country. The three-year appointment will see Segal reporting directly to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles.
Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that violence and hatred have no place in Australia and called for unity during the challenging times. The government also plans to announce a special envoy for combating Islamophobia in the near future.
In her new role, Segal will attend the World Jewish Congress in Argentina to discuss strategies for addressing anti-Semitism with other envoys from around the world. She highlighted the normalization of anti-Semitism in Australia, expressing the community’s fears and the need for a safe environment to practice religion and contribute to the multicultural society.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed Segal’s appointment, recognizing the importance of her role in improving society. However, the Jewish Council of Australia raised concerns about her past stance on Israel and its actions in Gaza, urging the government to avoid divisive policies.