‘Violence Was Normalised’: Australia Spy Chief Blames Unchecked Antisemitism After Gaza War
Synopsis
Australia’s top intelligence official has warned that antisemitism escalated sharply after the Gaza war and became increasingly normalised before the Bondi tragedy.
Australia’s top intelligence official says antisemitism was allowed to escalate unchecked after the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023, creating an environment that fuelled violence against Jewish Australians. Mike Burgess made the remarks during hearings for the Bondi attack Royal Commission, which is examining events surrounding last year’s deadly attack during a Jewish Hanukkah gathering.
Key highlights
- ASIO chief says antisemitism escalated after the Gaza war
- Violence against Jewish Australians became increasingly “normalised”
- Comments came during the Bondi attack Royal Commission
- Terror threat level was raised to “probable” in 2024
- ASIO linked Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to two antisemitic attacks
- Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses were targeted before the Bondi tragedy
ASIO Warns Hatred Became ‘Normalised’
Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, said the conflict in the Middle East triggered intense emotions across Australia.
But he warned that some forms of antisemitic behaviour were:
- Left unchecked
- Increasingly normalised
- Encouraging further violence
According to Burgess:
“Jewish Australians were on the receiving end.”
Terror Threat Level Raised
ASIO raised Australia’s national terrorism threat level to “probable” in August 2024.
Burgess said antisemitic incidents evolved from threatening behaviour, intimidation, and harassment into more direct attacks targeting:
- Jewish people
- Businesses
- Synagogues
- Community institutions
Wave Of Attacks Before Bondi Tragedy
The hearings heard evidence of arson attacks, vandalism, damage to Jewish schools and attacks on homes and vehicles in the months leading up to the Bondi incident.
The Bondi attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration last December, killed 15 people.
ASIO Points To Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Burgess also told the inquiry that ASIO concluded Iran’s:
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was behind two antisemitic attacks targeting a kosher restaurant in Sydney and Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue.
The findings contributed to Australia’s decision to expel Iran’s ambassador in August.
Burgess added that Iran was “probably involved” in additional attacks, though ASIO lacked enough evidence to formally attribute every incident.
Royal Commission Examines Rising Antisemitism
The current phase of the Royal Commission has focused heavily on:
- The rise of antisemitism in Australia
- Community safety concerns
- Threats faced by Jewish Australians after the Gaza conflict
Members of the Jewish community have been giving evidence during the hearings.
Why It Matters
The inquiry reflects growing concern over:
- Social cohesion
- Politically motivated violence
- Foreign interference
- Rising extremist activity in Australia
The comments from ASIO also signal increasing alarm within Australia’s security agencies over how overseas conflicts can inflame domestic tensions.
FAQs
Q1: What did Australia’s spy chief say?
ASIO chief Mike Burgess said antisemitism was left unchecked after the Gaza war and became increasingly normalised in Australia.
Q2: What is the Bondi Royal Commission investigating?
The inquiry is examining the events surrounding the Bondi attack and broader issues linked to antisemitism and extremism.
Q3: Why did Australia raise its terrorism threat level?
ASIO raised the threat level to “probable” in 2024 due to growing extremist risks and escalating antisemitic violence.
Q4: Which organisation did ASIO link to attacks?
ASIO said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was behind two antisemitic attacks in Australia.
Q5: What kinds of incidents occurred before the Bondi attack?
Authorities reported vandalism, arson and attacks targeting Jewish homes, schools, synagogues and businesses.
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