Australia launches antisemitism task force on antisemitism

9/12/2024 14:03

Australia on Monday launched an antisemitism task force following an arson attack at a synagogue in Melbourne which police say was likely terrorism.



The fire early on Friday at the Adass Israel synagogue injured one and caused widespread damage, and has strained relations between Australia and its ally Israel.



It is the third antisemitic attack in Australia this year, following the vandalism of a Jewish MP's office in Melbourne in June and antisemitic graffiti daubed on cars in Sydney's eastern suburbs, an area with a high Jewish population, last month.



The Australian Federal Police (AFP) task force will be known as Abalight.



"Special Operation Abalight will be an agile and experienced squad of counter-terrorism investigators who will focus on threats, violence, and hatred towards the Australian Jewish community and parliamentarians," the head of the AFP Reece Kershaw told a news conference.



"In essence, they will be a flying squad to deploy nationally to incidents."



Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attacks on the Jewish community were concerning.



"Antisemitism is a major threat, and antisemitism has been on the rise," he said.