Dr. Josh Roos

In recent weeks, there's been significant targeting of the Jewish community from the extreme right, neo-Nazis.

And there's been a prevalent and existing threat from jihadist elements within Muslim communities as well.

Particularly since October 7, the increase in anti-Semitism in Australia has been exponential.

This has played out in a number of ways.

It's been through the protests.

People have a right to protest against the war in Gaza, of course.

However, wrapped up in that has been significant targeting of Australian Jewish communities and in particular targeting of local Jews in terms of shops.

We've seen the Iranian ambassador expelled here in Australia due to their involvement in targeting synagogues, as well as a number of other threats on a daily basis to Jewish communities.

And that has been, to some extent, not dealt with adequately by the Australian government.

Whilst they've appointed an anti-Semitism envoy, for example, they haven't implemented any of the findings from the envoy.

There's been a refusal to countenance the severity of the threat, and it's been framed in some quarters as Jewish Australians whinging and making a mountain out of a molehill.

This isn't as bad as they're saying, and we clearly know now that it is.

This has been ongoing for a prolonged period of time.

Australia, 10 to 15 years ago during the Islamic State, produced more foreign fighters per head of population than any other Western country.

This isn't an issue with the Muslim community, but it is an issue with radicalised elements, particularly young second and third generation Australian Muslims who are...

unfortunately able to be radicalised online, but also through current events.

To that extent, this has been an ongoing issue.

And unfortunately, authorities have to balance this with what's going on with the extreme right.

We have a significant neo-Nazi threat now in Australia, with many of these movements are individuals targeting Jewish communities.

for threats online and abuse and harassment.