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A kinder society

Standing up against Antisemitism

It has been heartbreaking to see so many appalling incidents of antisemitism and discrimination targeting Jewish people across the country, including in Wentworth. These disgusting attacks cannot be tolerated and there is absolutely no place for them in Australia. Antisemitism is a scourge on our society and must be stamped-out.

I have taken extensive practical action to protect and support our Jewish community. I have called out antisemitic incidents, given 14 separate speeches in Parliament related to this issue, and spoken out extensively in the media.

Download my position on Antisemitism here.

A kinder society

Standing up against Antisemitism

A kinder society|*Standing up against* Antisemitism
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Delivered:

As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), I have worked extensively on national action to combat antisemitism. I have helped deliver:

  • [/] Australia’s first Antisemitism Envoy – whose appointment I lobbied hard over many months and who I will continue to work closely with to combat antisemitism across Australia.
  • [/] Extensive work with the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AJUS) and Vice Chancellors to combat antisemitism at universities – including personal meetings with 5 university leaders. Even before October 7, action I had driven led 5 universities to adopt the IHRA antisemitism definition.
  • [/] New laws to criminalise doxxing and Nazi Symbols – which already been used to prosecute offenders.
  • [/] $8.5 million for the Sydney Jewish Museum – as well as securing grants for 7 Jewish organisations in Wentworth, the Community Security Group, and Executive Council of Australian Jewry.

My focus has also been on practical, local action to promote community cohesion and respond to the disgusting antisemitic incidents that have occurred in Sydney’s east. My actions have included:

  • [/] Working closely with NSW Police – to ensure a strong presence in Sydney’s east and that perpetrators of recent attacks are brought to justice. I meet on a weekly basis with the Operation Shelter leadership.
  • [/] Established Wentworth’s Faith Leaders Forum – to coordinate local action among our religious leaders that promotes community cohesion.
  • [/] Coordinated action with local School Principals of independent, faith and public schools – to promote understanding about the dangers of antisemitism and share best practices for stamping it out.

Future Plans:

We need to take stronger action on antisemitism in government and across society. My priorities are:

  • [/] Stronger federal laws to protect the Jewish community from hate – by criminalising serious vilification and ensuring that hate preachers can be successfully prosecuted for their crimes.
  • [/] Joint action across the Federal and State Governments – through convening a National Cabinet or similar body to ensure a consistent approach to legislation, policing, sentencing, and education.
  • [/] A judicial inquiry into antisemitism at universities – to hold universities accountable for their failure in recent months to create a safe environment for Jewish students.

Speeches in parliament:

  • November 2024 - 'Doxxing' legislation - Read here
  • October 2024 - October 7 motion - Read here
  • August 2024 - Holocaust Remembrance - Read here
  • June 2024 - Calls for the IRGC to be recognised as a terrorist organisation - Read here
  • February 2024 - Antisemitism at universities - Read here
  • November 2023 - Banning Nazi symbols - Read here
  • November 2023 - Antisemitism and social cohesion - Read here
  • November 2023 - Social cohesion in schools and celebrating Hanukkah - Read here
  • October 2023 - October 7 terrorist attacks and the Sydney Opera House protests - Read here
  • August 2023 - Celebrating the winners of the Mikolot speaking competition - Read here 
  • March 2023 - International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and antisemitism at universities - Read here
  • November 2022 - Withdrawing recognition of West Jerusalem - Read here
  • September 2022 - International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance - Read here
  • September 2022 - Antisemitism in Sydney schools - Read here

Watch and Listen:

  • Vandals spray graffiti and burn a car in latest anti-Semitic attack in Woollahra - ABC 7.30 News
  • Community ‘devastated’ following anti-Semitic attack in Sydney - ABC News
  • 'Community is devastated' following anti-Semitic attack in Sydney - ABC RN listen
  • Many Jewish Australians feel this is the ‘hardest year in living memory’ - Sky News
  • ‘Not helping our country’: Greens blasted for ‘grandstanding’ on Israeli sanctions - Sky News
  • 'Australia voting for Palestine UN membership sends ‘wrong message’ to Hamas' – Sky News
  • 'Allegra Spender has ‘always supported’ a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine' – Sky News
  • 'Australians are ‘responsible’ for making clear there is ‘no place’ for anti-Semitism' – Sky News
  • ‘Absolutely clear’ rise in anti-Semitism around the world – Sky News
  • Australian communities ‘incredibly traumatised’ by Israel-Hamas conflict: Allegra Spender – Sky News
  • ‘Disappointing’: MP slams Greens for refusing to condemn Hamas attacks – Sky News
  • Independent MP says her community is ‘absolutely devastated’ following Hamas attacks – Sky News
  • Teal MP reaffirms her stance with Jewish community through ‘this absolutely terrible time’ – Sky News
  • ‘Appalling’: MP slams ‘anti-Semitic’ protests outside Sydney Opera House – Sky News
  • Allegra discusses the importance of action on antisemitism - ABC News
  • Allegra's speech in Parliament regarding antisemitism and the Middle East - Watch here. 
  • Allegra talks about antisemitism at protests in Sydney - Sky News

Read: