JERUSALEM (VINnews)— Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel sharply criticized the Australian government on Sunday for its handling of rising antisemitism, contrasting it with U.S. President Donald Trump’s decisive actions during his tenure.
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Haskel pointed to public incidents in Sydney where protesters allegedly chanted violent slogans against Jews, noting the absence of arrests or prosecutions despite repeated warnings.
“When Trump came into office, he immediately tackled the issues of antisemitism on campuses, on the streets, really harshly,” Haskel said in remarks highlighting the difference in approach.
“Unfortunately, the Australian government didn’t act in that kind of manner.
“They were chanting ‘Gas the Jews’ … calling to kill Jews in Sydney.
“No one was arrested. No one was prosecuted. No warning.
“We’ve been warning that this will explode and result in blood on the streets.”
Haskel’s comments come amid ongoing concerns over antisemitic incidents in Australia, including protests following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. The “Gas the Jews” chant refers to a controversial 2023 demonstration outside the Sydney Opera House, where some reports alleged the phrase was used, though authorities later found no clear evidence of it.
The deputy minister, a former resident of Australia who lived in Sydney for several years, has frequently voiced concerns about the safety of Jewish communities there.
Australian officials have condemned antisemitism and implemented measures to address it, but critics, including Haskel, argue the response has been insufficient.
HY”D