October 7, our family’s day of miracles, was marred by the Black Shabbat of 2023. As Hamas conducted a rampage, Australia witnessed a new era of trauma. The sense of safety shattered, mass anti-Israel protests loom on the horizon.
Australia’s shocking response post-October 7 included uncharacteristic biases in political decisions, betraying long-standing support for Israel. Furthermore, the mass doxxing of Jewish-Australian professionals and anti-Israel sentiment on university campuses highlighted a concerning decline in safety and inclusivity for the Jewish community.
Despite the challenges, recent calls for Iran’s ambassador’s expulsion and public figures’ support lend hope. As the author navigates feelings of dismay and fear in an increasingly hostile environment, the resolve to embrace Jewish identity and support for Israel grows stronger. In the face of adversity, the author emphasizes the need for resilience and unwavering support for both Australian Jews and Israel.
Campus chaos and student struggles
As the author reflects on the turmoil and the approaching Jewish New Year, the message of adaptation, identity preservation, and resilience shines through. Despite the darkness, there is a call to stand firm in support for Israel and Jewish heritage.
The author is a staff writer and policy analyst at Australia Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), and the mother of two adult children.