Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has convened a national cabinet meeting on anti-Semitism, but critics argue it was too little, too late. The move comes after a series of attacks on Jewish communities in Sydney and Melbourne.
Albanese initially resisted calls for a national cabinet meeting, citing the federal task force he established to combat anti-Semitism as sufficient. However, an image of flames engulfing a childcare centre with anti-Semitic graffiti sparked his change of heart.
The meeting resulted in a press release vowing leaders’ commitment to stamp out anti-Semitism and announcing plans to track anti-Semitic crimes. Critics, including Israeli politicians, argue that more meaningful reforms are needed to address the issue.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has linked attacks on synagogues to Australia’s United Nations policies, accusing Albanese of letting the issue “fester.” With an election looming, some have questioned whether the meeting was a political stunt rather than a genuine effort to tackle anti-Semitism.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-22/national-cabinet-antisemitism-meeting/104842970