MELBOURNE – The “March for Australia” rallies this week were billed as demonstrations against mass immigration. Instead, they quickly descended into a showcase of antisemitism, neo-Nazi salutes, and anti-Israel conspiracies.
In Melbourne, extremists stormed an Indigenous protest camp. In Perth, crowds shouted “Heil Australia” and marched with fascist symbols. Across the country, banners and speeches wove together immigration fears with globalist conspiracies, and at the center of that hatred stood Jews and Israel.
This is not an Australian problem alone. It is part of a wider failure by Western governments to confront the reality that anti-Zionism fuels antisemitism.
Canada’s weak Liberal response
In Canada, only 32 Liberal MPs signed a recent letter denouncing antisemitism. Prime Minister Mark Carney and most of his caucus were conspicuously absent. Instead of standing firm with Jewish Canadians, the Liberals have caved to pressure from pro-Hamas activists who dominate campus protests and street demonstrations.
The result is paralysis. Ottawa police confirmed last week that the stabbing of a Jewish woman in a grocery store was a hate-motivated crime. Yet the government continues to downplay the link between anti-Zionist incitement and antisemitic violence.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel of Israel, who was born in Toronto, warned after the attack: “Antisemitism must be confronted relentlessly by those with the power to stamp it out.” Canada’s Liberals have that power but refuse to use it.
Labor’s appeasement in Australia
Australia’s ruling Labor Party has also failed Jewish communities. For months, Labor MPs have tolerated anti-Israel encampments on campuses and street demonstrations where Hamas slogans are shouted openly.
Now, at the “March for Australia” rallies, the convergence of far-right nationalists and anti-Israel radicals shows the danger of inaction. Jewish leaders have pleaded with the government to treat anti-Zionism as antisemitism. Instead, Labor leaders tread carefully, unwilling to confront activists in their own ranks who call for the boycott of Israel.
The refusal to act decisively has given extremists the confidence to march under Nazi flags in 2025, in Australia, without fear of consequences.
Jewish voters must take note
Both Canada’s Liberals and Australia’s Labor government present themselves as defenders of minority rights. Yet when it comes to Jews, they hesitate, excuse, and equivocate. The message to Jewish communities is clear: you are on your own.
The lesson of history is equally clear. When governments appease antisemitism in the name of political expediency, violence follows.
Jewish voters should take note. A party that refuses to defend its Jewish citizens does not deserve their loyalty at the ballot box. Canada’s Liberals and Australia’s Labor leaders have made their priorities clear. It is time for Jewish voters to do the same.
Never Again is not a slogan. It is a political test. And right now, both governments are failing it.
This article is based on verified information from Reuters, The Guardian, ABC News, and Australian media reports.