Australia travel warning for Jews across the world
Jews or Israelis considering travelling to Australia are being told to “exercise extreme caution” after the arson on the Adass Israel synagogue was declared a likely terrorist attack.
The Simon Wiesenthal Centre
The Jewish human rights organisation’s Simon Wiesenthal Centre issued the warning on Tuesday morning Australian time.
The travel advisory is “a result of the failure of Australian authorities to stand up against persistent demonisation, harassment and violence against Jews and Jewish institutions in Australia”.
The centre sent a letter to Australia’s US ambassador, Kevin Rudd, to tell him of its decision.
The centre’s Rabbi Abraham Cooper said Jews, especially since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, have been targeted around the world and Australia was no exception.
“This latest attack comes within days of Australia voting for a UN resolution demanding Israel revert back to its indefensible pre-1967 War borders,” Rabbi Cooper said.
“Such a resolution, far from strengthening hopes for peace only emboldens those who seek Israel’s demise, who demean Jewish history, and who hate Judaism, Zionism, and Zionists.”
Israel itself has a level two threat on Australia advising travellers to increase precautionary measures since the fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in Melbourne’s southeast on Friday.
Australia, meanwhile, has told its citizens to reconsider their need to travel to Israel and the West Bank due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
