Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke canceled the visa of Knesset Member Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, less than 24 hours before his planned arrival, barring him from Australia for three years. Rothman intended to visit the Australian Jewish community, reeling from an unprecedented wave of antisemitism, and tour the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, recently torched in an antisemitic attack.
Organized by the Jewish group Australian Jewish Association, the visit responded to a surge in antisemitism since the war's onset. Over the past year, multiple synagogues in Australia have been set ablaze, with the latest arson in early July. Jewish and Israeli institutions have faced relentless attacks. Earlier this month, anti-Israel protests in Sydney and Melbourne featured banners of Iranian dictator Ayatollah Ali Khamenei alongside terrorist group flags.
Rothman, whose visa had approved two weeks earlier, planned to address synagogues and Jewish schools, meet victims of antisemitic attacks, and visit targeted Jewish sites. He learned of the visa cancellation on the day he was set to travel to the airport.
Minister Burke justified the visa revocation by citing Rothman's statements – including "Hamas must be destroyed," "A Palestinian state is the first step to Israel's destruction," and "Sovereignty must be applied in Judea and Samaria" – as incitement. An additional English statement on fighting terrorism to protect Israeli citizens was also cited. Burke claimed Rothman's presence would threaten "peace and law enforcement in Australia," referencing Islamist crowds in Australian streets calling for Israel's destruction.
A blatant antisemitic decision
Knesset Member Simcha Rothman condemned the move, saying, "The Australian Jewish community invited me amid synagogue attacks and growing hostility. By denying me entry for expressing clear positions, the Australian cabinet reveals blatant antisemitism that gives tailwind to terrorism."
He added, "Jihadists attack Australian Jews, and mosques incite murder and Israel's destruction. Yet, positions backed by two thirds of Israel's Knesset are labeled provocative by Australia's cabinet. This antisemitic decision targets the Australian Jewish community, Israel, and the Jewish people."
Speaking to Israel Hayom, Rothman emphasized that his cited statements – calling for Hamas' elimination, opposing a Palestinian state, and supporting sovereignty in Judea and Samaria – reflect Israel's mainstream consensus, shared by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, many in Coalition and even some Opposition members. "Australia claims this decision is designed to protect its Muslim community, but this harms Jews and exposes Australia's own deep issues," he said.
Robert Gregory, CEO of AJA, denounced the decision, saying, "All the paperwork was filled out correctly and on time and the visa was approved. The timing of the cancellation at the last minute was spiteful and intended to cause maximum harm to the Australian Jewish community. Mr. Rothman received his cancellation on the day he was to head to the airport for his flight."
Gregory noted, "This government has a track record of cancelling the visas of Jewish and Israeli visitors, including Ayelet Shaked and Hillel Fuld. The message from the Albanese Government to Jews is clear and we urge all Jews to seriously consider whether it is safe for them to visit Australia under this government." He added, "AJA is hearing from increasing numbers of Australian Jews who feel unwelcome under this government and are planning to leave. It seems the government is happy to replace them by importing thousands of Gazans."
Palestinian state recognition and a visa for a Hamas supporter
Tensions between Israel and Australia have escalated under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's left-wing cabinet, which announced last week it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, aligning with European moves. Weeks earlier, the Australian Home Affairs Department granted a visa to Mona Zahed, a Hamas supporter who celebrated the October 7 massacre and posted disturbing messages afterward (the visa was later cancelled).
Rothman added, "Israel learned on October 7 the steep cost of yielding to terrorism – a lesson Australia's cabinet has yet to grasp, and the consequences will be heavy. Israel must show the world how to resist terrorism. I will not waver and will continue to champion the Jewish people's proud voice wherever I am."
Gregory revealed that AJA briefed contacts in the new Trump administration, saying, "Israel is fully justified in taking strong measures in response to this and we have briefed contacts in the Trump Administration who are also concerned about events in Australia."
