Jewish group disputes envoy's anti-Semitism report

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 01:39 · Archive

Australia's Special Envoy to Combat anti-Semitism has identified progressive anti-Semitism as the most pervasive form facing the country, but the Jewish Council of Australia has rejected the finding.

Australia's Special Envoy to Combat anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, released a report on Friday identifying progressive anti-Semitism as the most pervasive form facing the country. Ms Segal noted that while Islamic extremist, far-right and far-left anti-Semitism remain present, the form increasingly causing anxiety among Jewish Australians has 'taken root in influential institutions' where they face discrimination and blame for the actions of the Israeli government.

Ms Segal stressed that criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country does not constitute anti-Semitism. The report suggested progressive anti-Semitism could manifest as holding all Jewish people responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.

Bart Shteinman, executive officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, rejected the report, calling it 'Orwellian' and arguing it does not represent the views of all Jews. He said the report masks 'a right-wing ideology' designed to silence discussion of Israel's actions in Gaza, and claimed many Jews could themselves be classified as progressive anti-Semites under Segal's definitions.

Ms Segal referenced the December 2025 Bondi shooting, in which 15 people were killed, as evidence of how the normalisation of anti-Semitism connects to threats of extremism and violence.

How it is being reported

• 'Orwellian': Jewish group pushes back on envoy reportA report identifies progressive anti-Semitism as the most pervasive form facing Australia but not all Jewish groups agree, with one labelling it "Orwellian".Perth Now · 30 Oct, 01:04
• 'Orwellian': Jewish group pushes back on envoy reportA report identifies progressive anti-Semitism as the most pervasive form facing Australia but not all Jewish groups agree, with one labelling it "Orwellian".The West Australian · 30 Oct, 01:04

In this story: Jillian Segal · Bart Shteinman · Jewish Council of Australia · Australia · Israel

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