Australian authorities are investigating whether "overseas actors or individuals" are funding local criminals to carry out antisemitic attacks in the country. This comes after a string of recent incidents, including one where a childcare centre in Sydney was set on fire and vandalized with anti-Jewish graffiti. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded by calling an emergency cabinet meeting, which led to the creation of a national database to track antisemitic crimes. The federal police taskforce investigating these incidents, set up in December, has already received over 166 reports.
Albanese noted that some of the crimes seem to be committed by individuals who aren't motivated by personal ideology but may be paid to act. While it's still unclear where the funds are coming from, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) believe cryptocurrencies might be involved due to their anonymous nature.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw also mentioned that they're looking into whether young people, possibly radicalized online, are being recruited for these crimes. However, Kershaw emphasized that while there is intelligence, it is not yet solid evidence.
Just last week, a Sydney man became the first person charged under the federal taskforce, Special Operation Avalite, after allegedly making death threats against a Jewish organization.
Albanese condemned the recent attack on the childcare centre, calling it both cowardly and disgusting, and emphasized that it was a hate crime directed at the Jewish community. He also stated that it was an attack on Australian society as a whole.
Israel's deputy foreign minister criticized the Australian government for not doing enough to address antisemitism, but Albanese defended his government, saying they've taken action from day one and that some were trying to politicize the issue.
The Jewish Council of Australia also condemned the recent attacks, stressing the need for cooperation, education, and dialogue to combat prejudice and promote understanding.
Many of the recent incidents have occurred in Sydney, involving graffiti, arson, and vandalism at synagogues and other Jewish sites. New South Wales has set up its own taskforce to tackle these crimes, with more than 35 people already charged. Meanwhile, in Victoria, over 70 people have been arrested for similar offences, including a recent attempt to set fire to a synagogue.
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