Antisemitism in Australia: A Growing Crisis Fueled by the Red/Green Alliance between Islamist and Woke Ideology

By Dr. Tim Orr

Australia, a country that prides itself on multicultural harmony, faces a mounting challenge threatening its social fabric. The alarming rise of antisemitism—manifesting in hateful rhetoric, violent acts, and widespread intimidation—has left the Jewish community feeling vulnerable and betrayed. This is no longer an issue confined to isolated extremists. It is fueled by a convergence of ideological forces that exploit political tensions and religious narratives, creating an environment where hate is not only tolerated but normalized. As this shadow looms, Australians must ask themselves: What kind of nation do we want to be, and what are we willing to do to protect the values we claim to uphold?

The Red-Green Alliance: A Dangerous Coalition

One of the most insidious drivers of this growing antisemitism is the so-called "Red-Green Alliance." This informal coalition between far-left progressives (the "Red") and Islamist groups (the "Green") brings together two ideologies that, on the surface, seem at odds. Secular progressivism champions LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and freedom from religious constraints, while Islamist ideology often opposes these values outright. Yet, the two find common ground in their shared opposition to Western hegemony, capitalism, and, most crucially, Zionism and Israel.

In Australia, this alliance has become a potent force in public activism, particularly in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. For instance, protests at Sydney’s Opera House saw attendees chanting slogans widely interpreted as “Gas the Jews”—a chilling echo of the Holocaust. Though some claimed the chants were “Where’s the Jews,” the intent remains undeniable: dehumanization and intimidation of Jewish Australians. Under the banner of social justice, this coalition masks outright antisemitism as political dissent, creating an environment where hate speech is normalized and emboldened.

The alliance is not confined to protests. Movements like Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) exemplify how Islamist groups and far-left activists unite in efforts that go beyond criticizing Israeli policies to targeting Jewish communities. By framing their campaigns as fights for justice, these movements make it difficult to critique their antisemitic undertones without being accused of stifling free speech or ignoring Palestinian suffering.

The Theology Behind the Hate

At the core of Islamist antisemitism lies a deeply entrenched theological narrative. Certain Islamic texts, as interpreted by Islamist groups, depict Jews as enemies of Islam, deceitful, and cursed. Animosity toward the Jewish state is nearly universally accepted within the broader Muslim community, though few would admit it or even realize it. However, Islamist movements like Hamas have weaponized these texts, transforming them into rallying cries for their political and religious agendas.

This theological framing elevates antisemitism beyond mere political grievances, embedding it as a religious duty for followers. Islamist rhetoric perpetuates the notion that Jews are not just adversaries in a geopolitical struggle but existential threats to the Muslim faith itself. This worldview transcends borders, finding its way into diaspora communities through sermons, online content, and cultural narratives.

In Australia, these theological narratives shape the attitudes of the Muslim population, reinforcing hostility toward Jews. While public discourse often centers on political disagreements over Israel and Palestine, it fails to address the religious dimension that underpins much of this hatred. Ignoring this aspect leaves the root causes of antisemitism unchallenged, allowing the problem to fester unchecked.

A Case Study: The Sydney Opera House Rally

The Sydney Opera House rally in October 2023 offers a chilling glimpse into how Islamist ideology manifests in Australia. What was ostensibly a pro-Palestinian protest quickly devolved into antisemitic vitriol, with chants interpreted as calls for violence against Jews. Whether the slogans were “Gas the Jews” or “Where’s the Jews” is almost irrelevant—the message of dehumanization and intimidation was loud and clear.

More troubling is how such rhetoric found a platform under the guise of political activism. By framing their actions as resistance to oppression, Islamist groups, and their far-left allies disguised antisemitic hate as legitimate protest. This normalization of hate, particularly when aligned with broader movements like BDS, emboldens individuals to act on centuries-old prejudices.

The impact of this rally was not confined to the protest itself. It fueled a wave of antisemitic incidents across the country, from graffiti and verbal abuse to outright violence. For Jewish Australians, the rally and its aftermath served as a stark reminder that their safety and dignity are increasingly under threat.

When Words Turn to Violence: The Synagogue Arson

The attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue in December 2024 marked a horrifying escalation. Arsonists targeted the place of worship during a service, forcing congregants to flee for their lives. At least one person was injured, and the building sustained significant damage. This was not just an act of vandalism; it was a calculated attempt to instill fear in Australia’s Jewish community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, calling it a "deliberate, unlawful act of hate." At the same time, such statements are important but not enough to address the underlying issues. The attack did not occur in a vacuum. It was the culmination of an environment increasingly shaped by Islamist rhetoric, far-left complicity, and the normalization of antisemitism in public and political spaces.

For Jewish Australians, the message was clear: even in a country that prides itself on multiculturalism and inclusivity, they are not safe. The synagogue arson stands as a damning indictment of Australia’s failure to protect its Jewish community from the rising tide of hate.

Islamist Antisemitism: A Global Phenomenon, A Local Crisis

Australia’s antisemitism crisis cannot be viewed in isolation. Islamist antisemitism is a global issue perpetuated by groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and their allies. These organizations spread their narratives far beyond the Middle East, exploiting political tensions to fuel hate in diaspora communities. From Europe to North America, the same patterns emerge Islamist groups aligning with far-left movements to amplify their rhetoric and justify their actions under the guise of human rights.

Australia is not immune. The country’s multicultural landscape, while a source of strength, also provides fertile ground for these narratives to take root. Global events like the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel reverberate through Australian communities, sparking local incidents of hate and encouraging individuals to act on deeply ingrained prejudices.

The danger lies in normalization. When antisemitic rhetoric becomes part of mainstream discourse, it sets a precedent for further hate. This is not just a Jewish issue; it’s a threat to the fabric of Australian society.

What Needs to Be Done

Addressing antisemitism requires more than words of condemnation. It demands bold, decisive action at every level of society:

1. Expose Islamist Rhetoric: Australia must confront the religious and ideological narratives driving antisemitism. Hate speech in mosques, community centers, and online platforms must be monitored and addressed with firm consequences.
2. Reform University Culture: Universities must enforce zero-tolerance policies against antisemitism, holding students and faculty accountable. Campuses should foster open dialogue, not serve as breeding grounds for hate.
3. Empower Jewish Communities: Security measures at synagogues and Jewish institutions are essential, but long-term solutions require empowering Jewish Australians to speak out and advocate for themselves without fear of retribution.
4. Hold the Left Accountable: Progressive movements must reckon with their complicity in amplifying Islamist narratives. Supporting justice for Palestinians should not come at the expense of demonizing Jews or Israel.
5. Educate the Public: Public awareness campaigns are crucial to dismantling antisemitic narratives. Australians need to understand the theological and ideological roots of Islamist antisemitism and how it differs from legitimate political critique.

A Test of Australia’s Identity

Antisemitism is more than a threat to Jewish Australians—it is a reflection of deeper cracks in Australia’s commitment to inclusivity and justice. The forces driving this crisis, from the Red-Green Alliance to the spread of Islamist ideology, challenge the very values that underpin Australian society. Confronting these issues head-on will require courage, honesty, and decisive action from individuals, institutions, and the government.

Australia now stands at a crossroads. Will it meet this challenge, reaffirming its dedication to protecting all communities from hate? Or will it falter, allowing antisemitism to erode its hard-won reputation as a multicultural haven? History has shown that ignoring hate only allows it to grow. The time to act is now—not just for the sake of Jewish Australians but for the future of the nation itself. Together, Australians can ensure their country remains a beacon of hope, tolerance, and unity in an increasingly divided world.

References

Albanese, A. (2024). Statement on the Adass Israel synagogue arson attack. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com

Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement. (n.d.). About BDS. Retrieved from https://www.bdsmovement.net

Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ). (2024). Antisemitism in Australia report: 2023–2024. Retrieved from https://www.ecaj.org.au

Middle East Eye. (2023). Sydney Opera House protests spark controversy. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net

Times of Israel. (2024). Surge in antisemitic incidents in Australia following Hamas attacks. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com

Tim Orr is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, the University of Tehran, Islamic College London, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.