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Israeli tourists subjected to verbal anti-Semitic attacks in Australia

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Israeli tourists subjected to verbal anti-Semitic attacks in Australia

Two Israeli tourists visiting Townsville in Queensland, Australia, were subjected to anti-Semitic verbal attacks on Saturday by a local tobacco shop worker, the Anti-Defematism Commission (ADC) said on Sunday.

ADC is an Australian civil rights organization that fights anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred. It was created in 1979 and now works to bring communities together, collect data on anti-Semitism and other prejudices, and respond to incidents of discrimination.

When two tourists in their 20s visited Flinders Tobacco on Flinders Street, they noticed the store was raising money for Palestine, ADC said. After the tourists asked for more details about where the donation would go, the store owner reportedly became furious.

“Get the hell out of my store!” she yelled at them before approaching them with a shovel, ADC reported. “You’re a dirty, goddamn dirty Jew.”

The Israelis reportedly quickly left the store, but the store owner allegedly followed them outside with a raised shovel. Tourists recorded the incident.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 3: Pro-Jewish protesters look at a pro-Palestinian camp and protesters at the University of Sydney on May 3, 2024 in Sydney, Australia (Photo: LISA MARIE WILLIAMS/GETTY IMAGES)

Dr Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, condemned the incident.

“This scene is ripped straight from the darkest pages of history – a poisonous and shameful explosion, saturated with hatred, teetering on the brink of violence,” Abramovich said. “Two young Israelis eager to embrace the adventure and warmth that Australia is famous for. , instead found themselves in a nightmare they never imagined.”

“The emotional scars inflicted on these young tourists will remain with them forever,” Abramovich continued. “Imagine the fear and humiliation they must have felt as they were attacked with both words and weapons. And imagine the chilling effect this has on the Australian Jewish community, who will see it as yet another warning sign that anti-Semitism is not only alive – it is growing, emboldened and dangerously unchecked.”

Antisemitism below

The incident comes after an increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents recorded around the world following the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7.

Two weeks ago, Jewish schoolgirls returning home to Melbourne were subjected to chants of “Heil Hitler”. Another Jewish student suffered bruises after an anti-Semitic attack turned physical in September.

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