Antisemitism: A Growing Global Threat Bridging Extremes
The Context of Antisemitism
The recent terror attack in Sydney, alongside an unprecedented rise in global antisemitism, illustrates a troubling trend: antisemitism is no longer confined to being perceived as solely a “Jewish problem” or a marginal issue. Instead, it now serves as a connection between radical elements on both the far right and far left, as well as pro-Palestinian factions, posing a significant threat to the stability of the liberal order.
The Rise of Antisemitic Violence
The spread of Iranian influence within religious and academic institutions, escalation among various segments of Muslim communities due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a marked increase in hate speech on social media, and the legal inability to effectively monitor the digital landscape have rendered Australia a favorable destination for financial transfers and funding of terrorism. The recent attack is seen not just as an isolated incident but part of a broader global phenomenon characterized by rising antisemitism, racism, and nationalistic extremism.
This rise is fueled by global anti-Israeli campaigns and populist anti-establishment hate rhetoric, which emerge from both extreme right and left factions, as well as pro-Palestinian sources. These narratives intertwine with the hostility towards Jews, appropriating anti-Israeli discourse and exploiting the Gaza conflict as a catalyst for amplifying antisemitism.
Antisemitism as an Ideological Bridge
Antisemitism is increasingly acting as an ideological bridge uniting various hostile factions against Western democracy-including Islamist extremists and various terrorist organizations (such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps), extreme far-right and neo-Nazi groups, and radical anti-liberal left movements. These groups collectively identify a “common enemy” in Jews and Israelis, framing attacks against them as part of a larger struggle against Israel and the West.
Simultaneously, anti-Israeli discourse provides a language, symbols, and legitimacy to both Islamist terrorism and fundamentalist hate in the West, while also contributing to a rise in Islamophobia and violence against Muslim immigrants.
The end result is a collaborative effort among varied radical forces to attack “Jewish targets” worldwide, evidenced by incidents such as arson against synagogues, hate graffiti on Jewish businesses and public buildings, and physical and verbal assaults against Jews in public spaces.
Alarming Statistics
Recent publications indicate that since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, there has been a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents-a phenomenon that poses a substantial threat not only to the small Jewish minority in Australia, which comprises approximately 0.5% of the population, but also to the fabric of Western democratic principles. A report by Combat Antisemitism highlights that 68.4% of antisemitic incidents worldwide in 2024 were linked to radical, anti-Zionist viewpoints that deny the legitimacy of Israel’s existence.
Between 2022 and 2024, a report from the Jewish Agency and the World Zionist Organization documents a staggering 340% increase in antisemitic incidents, with the Netherlands experiencing over an 800% surge between October and December 2023, and substantial rises reported in the UK (500%), Germany (400%), and the United States (360%). In Latin America, notable spikes in antisemitism were observed in Brazil, which recorded an alarming 961% increase within just start year.
These statistics emphasize that antisemitism has evolved from being merely a “Jewish issue” to a central vector undermining democratic structures and uniting radical elements threatening the stability of the liberal order across Western nations.
Global Implications and Responses
In light of these developments, National Security authorities have issued urgent warnings to diplomatic missions and Jewish communities worldwide, advising against participation in mass public events. Concurrently, Israel is enhancing intelligence cooperation on counterterrorism with the United States, Australia, the UK, and Germany, sharing alerts on Iranian and jihadist infrastructures while applying diplomatic pressure to increase security for Jewish institutions.
Initiatives include hosting an international conference against antisemitism in Jerusalem in May 2025, appealing to the UN and Council of Europe for the removal of antisemitic officials, blocking anti-Israel resolutions, and recognizing antisemitism as a threat to human rights and democratic stability.
A Call to Action
The Sydney attack serves as a wake-up call for Western governments, including those in New Zealand, which has also seen a 300% rise in antisemitism since October 2023, leading to concerning instances including synagogue vandalism and violent protests against “Zionists” in major cities.
Now is not the time to underestimate the severity of this rapidly expanding political-social issue. Beyond defending its citizens and diaspora Jewish communities, Israel is called upon to lead a comprehensive international effort against antisemitism and extremism-an advocacy for the values of freedom, equality, and tolerance that unites governments, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
This struggle incorporates efforts to gain international recognition of antisemitism as a global threat, advancing enforceable resolutions within international bodies, tightening intelligence and security cooperation to preemptively identify incitement and terrorism, safeguarding Jewish institutions, and developing educational programs aimed at curbing hate speech on social media.
The awakening call from Australia and New Zealand-far removed in geography, concept, and culture from Israel-represents a critical opportunity to transform this threat into a driving force for global collaboration, ensuring the future of democracy for generations to come. Antisemitism is no longer merely an ancient malstart; it is the modern and dangerous challenge to human freedom and democracy. Ignoring it today could lead to the loss of liberty tomorrow.