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Following the rising community tensions over the Israel-Gaza war, Australian government has appointed Jillian Segal, a lawyer and businesswoman, as a special envoy to combat anti-Semitism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who made the announcement said Segal would consult with community leaders and discrimination experts to advise the government.
The Israeli military launched a campaign against Hamas in Gaza after an attack on southern Israel on 7 October, 2023 which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 38,000 Palestinians have died due to Israel’s offensive.
Albanese stated, “Australians are deeply concerned about this conflict, and many are hurting. In times like this, Australians must come together, not be torn apart.”
Segal, who has led several key bodies representing the Jewish community and held leadership roles in the education and banking sectors, emphasised the importance of combating anti-Semitism, noting a 700% rise in incidents since the conflict began in October last year.
The appointment has been welcomed by the national peak body for the Australian Jewish community, though other groups, such as The Jewish Council of Australia and The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), have expressed concerns about potential increased division.
