A compilation of recent news headlines regarding anti-Semitic incidents, with a focus on Australia and Sri Lanka – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
Have you ever wondered why churches have often been the targets of attacks throughout history? What drives people to take such drastic actions against these institutions? Let’s explore the complex reasons behind these historical conflicts involving churches.?
In 1995, the Sri Lankan Air Force indisputably bombed the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Navally during the Sri Lankan Civil War. This brutal attack claimed the lives of at least 147 Tamil civilians, including women, children, and men.
In 1999, the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Sri Lanka was shelled during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The attack killed around 40 minority Sri Lankan Tamil civilians, including children, and injured more than 60 others.
An inside view of St Anthony’s shine after the explosion
St Anthony’s Church, the site of one of the deadliest Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, is renowned as a place of worship open to all faiths.
The recent events in Australia strongly parallel the devastating attacks on churches in Sri Lanka in April 2019. On Easter Sunday, coordinated suicide bombings struck churches and hotels, claiming over 250 lives and injuring hundreds more. Local Islamist militant groups decisively carried out these attacks with suspected ties to foreign entities.
Regarding the recent antisemitic terror attacks in Melbourne and Sydney, the Anglican Diocese of Sydney’s Archbishop issued a public statement condemning these acts. (from Sydneyanglicans newsletter)
For the second time in two months, he said, I am taking the step of expressing the dismay of many Sydneysiders at grotesque acts of antisemitism in our city.
The recent attacks on the Allawah and Newtown synagogues, which followed attacks on private homes and property, are reprehensible and utterly unacceptable.
Any attack on a place of worship is an attack on the principles of freedom of religion, association and conscience, which are foundational for our multicultural and cohesive community. Such attacks must be comprehensively rejected.
Beyond that essential principle, we also recognise that antisemitism has a particular history and shape, played out across the world. Over the centuries, this has included antisemitism perpetrated by professing Christians. The Christian scriptures give no warrant whatsoever for such hateful acts.
Instead, Jesus commanded his followers to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Sydney Anglicans welcome and affirm the presence and contribution of Jewish Australians, for whom Sydney is the home we share and whose peace, prosperity, and harmony are our shared commitments. Archbishop Kanishka Raffel 13 January 2025.
Further details regarding the attacks on churches in Sydney reveal that a synagogue was vandalised with anti-Semitic graffiti just one day after another synagogue in the New South Wales state capital faced similar defacement. According to police officials, vandals spray-painted red swastikas outside the entrance of an inner-city synagogue early on that Saturday. Additionally, a house in Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs was marked with anti-Jewish slurs.
The incident occurred a day after an attack on the Southern Sydney Synagogue in the suburb of Allawah during the early hours of Friday morning. A special police task force was established later to investigate the matter.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Friday, “There is no place in Australia, our tolerant multicultural community, for this kind of criminal activity,” referring to the Southern Sydney Synagogue incident.
State Premier Chris Minns added, “These individuals are determined to divide our community.” He emphasised, “We will always call out these acts for what they are – monstrous and appalling.”
Over the past year, Australia has witnessed a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, highlighting growing concerns within the community.
Notable examples include the appearance of graffiti targeting Jewish symbols and messages on buildings and vehicles in Sydney. Additionally, a significant incident occurred in December when a synagogue in Melbourne was set on fire, an act that police have classified as terrorism due to its deliberate targeting of the Jewish community.
In response to this alarming trend, the Australian government took decisive action by establishing a federal task force dedicated to tackling anti-Semitism. This initiative aims to investigate incidents, enhance community safety, and promote education regarding anti-Semitism and its impact.
There has been a significant and troubling increase in Islamophobic incidents across Australia, which has coincided with a rise in anti-Semitic acts. Analysts suggest that this alarming spike in hate crimes is essentially a reaction to the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly following the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas on Israel in October 2023. In retaliation, Israel initiated military operations in Gaza, leading to a complex and volatile situation. The ripple effects of these geopolitical events have created heightened tensions within local communities, resulting in an increasingly hostile environment for both Jewish and Muslim populations throughout the country.
David Ossip, the president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, expressed his deep concern over the targeting of synagogues, stating that these acts should “sicken us all.” He stressed that the actions being carried out against Jewish places of worship should not be dismissed as mere vandalism. Instead, Ossip characterised them as a deliberate and coordinated campaign aimed at intimidating, harassing, and menacing the Jewish community. He stated, “These hate-filled individuals need to understand that their efforts to instil fear will ultimately fail.”
In recognition of these growing threats, NSW Premier Chris Minns took a proactive stance by announcing a substantial grant of $340,000 to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. This funding is intended to enhance security measures for at-risk communities and to bolster temporary protective strategies. The Premier’s commitment highlights the necessity for increased vigilance and support in safeguarding the rights and well-being of all communities facing acts of hatred and discrimination.
Conclusions: As we confront these tragedies, we must remember that hatred and violence are intolerable in our world. By uniting and fostering understanding, we can forge a future where all communities thrive in peace and harmony.
Join us in the resolute fight against hate. Stand firmly with us in solidarity with all communities impacted by violence and discrimination. Together, we will make a significant difference.
End.
