In the Eyes of the Infinite
Beneath the heavens grand and wide,
Each soul is known, none cast aside.
A spark divine in every chest,
In each of us, creation’s vest.
No lofty throne, no humble floor,
Can change the worth of what we’re for.
In shells of flesh, we wear the same,
Born of the breath, the holy flame.
The skin may vary, dark to light,
But all are equal in His sight.
No border drawn, no creed or tongue,
Can nullify where love has sprung.
The hands that toil, the feet that roam,
All seek one path, one common home.
What walls we build, they cannot stand,
When hearts unite, both far and grand.
For hatred melts where mercy’s sown,
A harvest rich from seeds we’ve grown.
Our fates entwined, our lives complete,
When grace and kindness intermeet.
So may we live, both strong and wise,
Remembering, through different skies,
That we are one, a single thread,
Woven by G-d, through gold and red.
by Bakchos
Hey everyone! Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been stirring quite a bit of discussion within the Australian Jewish community: the Australian Jewish Association (AJA). If you’ve been following the news or social media lately, you might have come across the heated debates surrounding this group. Let’s unpack what’s going on, who’s involved, and why it matters.
Who is the AJA?
The Australian Jewish Association is a relatively new player in the landscape of Jewish advocacy in Australia. However, it has quickly made a name for itself, albeit a controversial one. Critics, including the Jewish Council of Australia (JCA), label the AJA as a far-right extremist group. They argue that the AJA aligns itself with polarising figures and adopts a confrontational approach that prioritises sensationalism over constructive dialogue. This has raised eyebrows and sparked a lot of debate about what it means to represent Jewish interests in Australia today.
The AJA’s Approach
So, what exactly does the AJA stand for? Their advocacy is characterised by a strong pro-Israel stance, and they are vocal opponents of progressive policies – most notably, transgender recognition laws in Victoria. They have also been quite critical of the government’s response to antisemitism, going so far as to link incidents of vandalism at synagogues to the Labor Party’s policies. This kind of rhetoric has led to accusations that the AJA is exploiting cultural and political issues to gain traction among conservative audiences, both within the Jewish community and beyond.
Their rejection of the Indigenous Voice referendum in 2023, along with their media campaigns, has further fueled this perception. They are often seen as trying to create division rather than unity, which has left many within the Jewish community feeling uneasy.
Mainstream Jewish Community Response
In stark contrast, the mainstream Jewish organisations, like the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), have taken a more diplomatic approach. Representing a broader spectrum of Australia’s Jewish population – estimated at around 100,000 – the ECAJ has focused on constructive advocacy, such as lobbying for stronger hate crime legislation in response to rising antisemitism. Surveys indicate that most Australian Jews lean towards moderate views, with only a small fraction supporting the AJA’s hardline positions.
The ECAJ has made it clear that they see the AJA as a fringe group. Their rejection of the AJA’s tactics highlights a preference for unity and moderation, especially in a time when antisemitism is on the rise. With about 20% of Australians reportedly holding antisemitic views in 2025, according to the Anti-Defamation League, the need for a cohesive and constructive response is more critical than ever.
The Community Divide
This situation raises important questions about representation within the Jewish community in Australia. The Jewish population is incredibly diverse, encompassing Orthodox, Reform, and secular identities, with varying perspectives shaped by factors like geography and cultural background. The AJA claims to represent “authentic” Jewish values, tapping into the sentiments of those who feel that mainstream organisations have become too left-leaning or complacent in the face of rising antisemitism.
However, many critics argue that the AJA’s self-appointed role as defenders of Jewish values is actually a cover for a narrower agenda that risks alienating rather than uniting the community. This tension reflects a broader societal issue in Australia, where identity-based advocacy can often amplify extreme voices at the expense of consensus.
Peter Dutton the AJA and divisive rhetoric
Now let’s talk about something really concerning that’s been brewing in Australian politics lately – Peter Dutton’s approach as Leader of the Opposition and how it’s impacting the Jewish community here. While he claims to be standing up against hate, his words and actions are doing the opposite, creating an environment where antisemitism can thrive. It’s a classic case of using divisive rhetoric for political gain, and it’s high time we unpack this troubling trend.
Peter Dutton’s role in the rise of antisemitism
For a start, let’s get into Dutton’s rather alarming habit of linking antisemitism directly to immigration policy. Back in February 2025, he made headlines at a Sky News Antisemitism Summit when he accused the Labor government of “fast-tracking citizenship” for migrants – implying that this included Gazans – just to secure votes. Now, here’s the kicker: Home Affairs had confirmed that there were no recent arrivals from Gaza eligible for citizenship. This kind of rhetoric is not just misleading; it echoes those age-old antisemitic tropes about “foreign infiltration,” subtly suggesting that the safety of Jewish Australians is somehow under threat from outsiders.
Labor MP Anne Aly called out Dutton for this, labelling it a “deliberate political ploy” that merges antisemitism with fears about immigration. By framing antisemitism as an issue imported from abroad, he completely ignores its domestic roots. According to the Anti-Defamation League, a staggering 20% of Australians held antisemitic views in 2025! Dutton’s narrative not only misrepresents the reality but also alienates Jewish Australians, casting them as “the other” in their own country.
And let’s not forget about the cherry-picking of issues. Dutton’s spotlight on antisemitism stands in stark contrast to his silence on other forms of hate. Critics have pointed out his past attempts to weaken racial discrimination laws through Section 18C, which would have made it easier for bigotry – including antisemitism – to flourish. Now, he’s suddenly all about visa cancellations for antisemitic acts and promising reforms to the Migration Act in 2025. But where’s the urgency when it comes to addressing Islamophobia or racism against Indigenous Australians? This inconsistency raises eyebrows and suggests that Dutton is more interested in scoring political points than genuinely tackling hate in all its forms.
Supporters of Dutton often tout his responses to incidents like the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue in December 2024 and his push for an AFP taskforce as proof that he’s a staunch defender of Jewish interests. They point to his Holocaust remembrance speeches and visits to synagogues, like the one in St Kilda in 2024, as signs of his commitment. But let’s take a closer look: these actions often seem to prioritise political gain over real solutions. Commentators from Independent Australia and social media have noted that his renewed focus on Jewish safety post-October 2023 aligns suspiciously with election cycles. It’s hard not to see this as exploiting community fears rather than addressing the systemic hate that exists.
Dutton’s approach, with its Trump-like “strong leader” image and nuclear policy debates, seems more like a populist playbook that thrives on fear rather than fostering reconciliation. This kind of environment is exactly where antisemitism can fester and grow.
It’s clear that Peter Dutton’s rhetoric and selective advocacy don’t just reflect the rise of antisemitism – they actively contribute to it. By linking Jewish safety to immigration scapegoats, ignoring the broader dynamics of hate, and politicising a community crisis, he’s creating a climate of suspicion and division. While he may not intend harm, the effects of his actions are undeniable: antisemitism gains traction in the cracks he widens.
The realities of the Jewish community in Australia
The Jewish community in Australia is incredibly diverse, filled with people from various backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. This diversity is our strength! But, it can also become a fault line if we’re not careful about how we represent ourselves and how we respond to challenges. Unfortunately, some tactics being employed by groups like the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) seem to be pushing us further apart rather than bringing us together.
The AJA argues that they’re fighting antisemitism and trying to protect our cultural values. But let’s think critically about their methods. Their provocative tactics often end up deepening divides within our community. Instead of fostering understanding and solidarity, they can create an environment of fear and mistrust. It’s like they’re trying to rally the troops, but at what cost?
On the flip side, there’s a growing voice within our community that calls for a more moderate approach – one that promotes unity and understanding rather than division. This perspective is not about ignoring the real threats we face, but about addressing them in a way that doesn’t alienate parts of our community. It’s about building bridges instead of walls.
So, what does this mean for us moving forward? As we navigate these complex dynamics, it’s crucial that we recognise the diversity within our community as both a strength and a challenge. We need to find a way to represent all voices, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. This balancing act is no easy feat, but it’s essential for the future of Jewish advocacy in Australia.
Conclusion
Let’s also take a moment to reflect on the impact of political rhetoric. Dutton’s opportunistic tactics, using fear and division to score political points, are not the way forward. We need our leaders to be responsible and to approach these issues with a nuanced understanding. It’s time to demand better from those who represent us!
Ultimately, the question remains: How do we come together as a multifaceted community while facing external pressures? It’s a tough question, but one we need to keep asking. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! What do you think about the AJA and its impact on our community? Do you believe in a more united approach, or do you think provocative tactics are necessary in today’s climate?
Together, we can work towards a stronger, more united Jewish community in Australia. Let’s stand up for what we believe in, but let’s do it in a way that brings us together rather than tears us apart.
