A wave of letters published in The Canberra Times has expressed profound anger within the Australian Jewish community towards Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing his government of a critical failure to act against rising anti-Semitism, which they believe created a climate leading to the Bondi massacre.
Government Inaction on Anti-Semitism Condemned
Multiple correspondents argued that the community's hostility stems not merely from Australia's recognition of Palestine, but from a perceived lack of decisive action against anti-Semitic rhetoric over two years of escalating warnings. This inaction, they claim, encouraged more incitement, leading to worse acts in a vicious cycle. One letter writer pointedly stated that while the government has taken some steps, its failure to speak out strongly and specifically against anti-Semitism, often coupling it with mentions of Islamophobia, gave anti-Semites encouragement.
The letters criticised the government for refusing to hold a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism at universities and for neglecting the report of the anti-Semitism envoy. The sentiment was that constant criticism of Israel convinced extreme voices their tactics were effective.
Broader Community Concerns and Rebuttals
The correspondence also tackled other contentious issues. One writer rejected comparisons between the Bondi attack and the Lindt Cafe siege, noting the former followed years of specific warnings about anti-Jewish sentiment. Another firmly rebutted a previous letter's question about whether Albanese should treat Jews as Israeli PM Netanyahu treats Palestinians, calling it "ridiculous" and arguing Australian Jews do not deny Australia's right to exist or commit terror attacks.
Further letters condemned what was described as "unabashed Hamas propaganda" in a previous contribution, clarifying that Hamas is a genocidal terrorist organisation, not a legitimate government defending its homeland.
Local and National Issues in the Spotlight
The letters section also featured strong opinions on local Canberra development and national policy. Residents from Dickson and Downer expressed major concerns about oversized building proposals in Woden and Dickson that far exceed height limits, calling for more balanced, transparent planning and concurrent provision of public amenities.
On energy policy, one writer welcomed the federal government's move to reserve 15-25% of gas for the east coast domestic market but warned it must not be used as cover for approving new climate-harming gas projects.
Amidst the tragedy, a call continued for humanitarian aid to Gaza, with one reader urging Australia to keep pressing for a two-state solution and the delivery of massive aid for recovery, noting the reported casualty toll exceeding 70,000 and widespread homelessness.
The collection of "To The Point" letters included scepticism about a firearms buyback's efficacy, criticism of ACT financial management, and a lament over the quality of political leadership. One succinct note urged Australian Muslim communities to purge potentially violent extremists from their midst, while another cautioned that insulting the Prime Minister was unlikely to win support for a Bondi royal commission.
