By Howie Silbiger, Editor in Chief
Australia has declared war on the Jewish people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese didn’t just recognize “Palestine” and hand Hamas a propaganda victory—he doubled down on his betrayal by barring MK Simcha Rothman from even setting foot in the country. This is not diplomacy. This is an assault.
Think about it: Hamas praises Australia, hailing its recognition of “Palestine” as “political courage.” Days later, Albanese slams the door on Rothman, a democratically elected Israeli leader, as if Israel’s representatives are criminals while terrorists are treated like statesmen. That isn’t foreign policy. That’s surrender. That’s spitting in the face of every Jew alive today.
This was never about Rothman. It was a calculated humiliation aimed squarely at Benjamin Netanyahu and the government of Israel. Albanese wanted to show the world that Australia will stand with Israel’s enemies, not its leaders. In doing so, he trampled on Jewish children, Jewish schools, and Jewish synagogues that were waiting to hear a message of pride and strength.
Let’s be clear: Rothman is not some fringe figure. He is one of Israel’s most important lawmakers, a man dedicated to ensuring Israel remains both Jewish and democratic. His visit posed no threat unless, of course, you believe Jewish pride itself is dangerous. And Albanese clearly does.
This is cowardice dressed up as policy. Australia, terrified of offending anti-Israel mobs, silences Jewish voices instead. It rewards Hamas with recognition while humiliating Israeli leaders. It is disgraceful. It is shameful. And it is a betrayal of every Jew in the Diaspora.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called it an unprecedented insult. He was right. But let’s call it what it truly is: a knife in the back. Albanese has chosen his side. He stands with Hamas. He stands with those who burn Israel’s flag and celebrate the murder of our people—not with those who defend Jewish lives.
Diaspora Jews in Australia should be outraged. Your prime minister just told you your identity is subject to his approval. That your connection to Israel can be policed by the state. That the voices of your leaders are unwelcome in your own synagogues. This isn’t just an insult. It is an attack. Australia’s leaders should bow their heads in shame. They owe Netanyahu, Rothman, Israel, and the Jewish people an apology.
But we know that apology will never come. Which is why we must remember the lesson history has beaten into us time and again: no one will rise to defend us. We stand alone.
Rothman came to bring a message of Jewish pride. Netanyahu is fighting a global campaign to delegitimize Israel. Albanese tried to silence both. He failed.
Jewish voices will not be silenced. Not by Hamas, not by Albanese, not by anyone.
Howie Silbiger is the Editor in Chief of The Montreal Jewish News, host of The Howie Silbiger Show and Political Hitman on Truetalkradio and Israelnewstalkradio
