If actions speak louder than words, then Penny Wong’s actions have been delivering a consistent message for nearly two years.

When it comes to the Middle East, Australia’s Foreign Minister is widely perceived by critics as being instinctively more responsive to the Palestinian side of the conflict than to Israel. To be clear, debates around this issue are often polarized, and accusations of antisemitism or bias are themselves contested. But among some commentators, there is a view that anti-Zionism can function as a cover for antisemitic sentiment.

That may be an uncomfortable observation for Wong’s supporters, but it is one shared by a growing number of Australians, particularly within the Jewish community.

Time and again, Wong has found language to criticize Israel. Time and again, she has engaged with Palestinian political leaders. Time and again, she has announced funding, expressed concern, and supported international pressure on Israel.

Yet many Jewish Australians are left asking a simple question: where is that same energy when the target is antisemitism? Where is the urgency, moral clarity or outrage?

Australia has witnessed a significant increase in antisemitic incidents since October 7. Jewish schools, synagogues, and community institutions have faced threats. Many Jewish Australians report feeling less safe than at any point in living memory. Demonstrations that once would have been confined to the political fringe have become mainstream spectacles.

And through it all, the response from much of Australia’s political and cultural establishment has often felt hesitant, conditional, and qualified.

Imagine if instead, they took a hard line on antisemitism from the start? We wouldn’t even be having this conversation today,

Then there is the question of the flotilla activists.

Penny Wong appears willing to devote time and attention to activists returning from attempts to reach Gaza who made serious allegations regarding their treatment by Israeli........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)