Interfaith bonds strengthen amid rise in antisemitism in Australia

The Jewish community in Australia is grappling with renewed fears and trauma following recent antisemitic events linked to the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

Last week, Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse and St Christopher’s Cathedral Acting Administrator Father Josh Scott visited the ACT Jewish Centre to express the Catholic community’s solidarity and to explore meaningful ways to foster interfaith collaboration and provide support.

“Our visit here today is to say that as Catholics, we unequivocally stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, in the face of these terrible times,” said Archbishop Prowse.

“The deplorable rise in antisemitism in Australia is not only heartbreaking but fundamentally against everything we believe in as people of faith.”

Rabbi Gary Robuck, who spoke candidly about the emotional turmoil within the Jewish community, said, “There is a sense of rocks in our heart—a weight of dread and fear—because hostages remain underground in Gaza.

And sadly, this weight is made heavier by fear in our own streets, as our people face acts of hate right here.”

Security measures around the ACT Jewish Centre have tightened in response to these concerns.

Board Secretary Robert Cussel detailed the steps, including hiring security guards, reducing centre hours, and securing entrances with stricter clearances.

However, these changes have come at a heavy emotional cost, especially for Holocaust survivors.

Nicole Campbell, Managing Director of the centre, added, “Older members of our community, especially Holocaust survivors, are being re-traumatised. The antisemitism they faced in their youth is now reappearing in their later years, and we are seeing its psychological effects.”

Rabbi Robuck highlighted the challenges in addressing these issues, pointing to insufficient engagement from educational institutions and public figures.

“We appreciate those showing support, including churches and community leaders. However, some members have raised concerns about the need for clearer responses when harmful posters appear on university campuses or when more reassurance about safety from public figures is needed.

Efforts to promote education and awareness were a recurring theme in the meeting.

“Education is a fundamental pillar for understanding,” said Fr. Scott. “It’s a means through which misconceptions can be dismantled and empathy cultivated.”

Community bonds and acts of kindness from other faith groups also highlighted hope amid the difficulties.

Rabbi Robuck shared how a Baptist church had offered their space for community gatherings and how messages of support from Anglican ministers have reminded many in his congregation that they are not alone.

“These gestures are small but monumental. They remind us that acts of solidarity are a verb—it is something you do, not merely something you say.”

Looking forward, Archbishop Prowse proposed the formation of an interfaith task force to tackle ongoing concerns while highlighting the need for ongoing practical action.

“Support isn’t a one-time act. The Catholic Church is committed to meaningful, lasting collaboration to ensure that hate does not prevail.”

The meeting concluded with Rabbi Robuck’s heartfelt prayer for peace and healing for those touched by conflict and hate, both in Israel and Australia.

“The spirit of Judaism teaches us to meet darkness with light,” he said. “Together, with our friends and allies, we can be that light.”