In the wake of the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, the Jewish community in Australia has found itself under unprecedented scrutiny and threat. This has brought to the forefront a long-simmering issue: the state of antisemitism in the country. The story of Ronni Kahn, an Australian Local Hero of the Year and social entrepreneur, and Jessica Rozen, a Sydney mother who survived an antisemitic attack, offers a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by Australian Jews. While Kahn's journey is one of pride and defiance, Rozen's experience underscores the very real dangers and the need for vigilance.
Kahn, who was born in South Africa and lived in Israel for two decades, migrated to Australia as a young mother. Her Jewish identity was never in question in Israel, but in Australia, she chose not to define herself solely by her faith. Her AO award, given in 2019 for her work at the head of a leading charity, reflects her commitment to a multicultural and multi-faith society. Kahn's desire to give back to society through charitable acts is rooted in the Jewish tenet of Tikkun Olam, the belief in repairing the world. However, the recent events have tested her sense of acceptance and her resolve to live openly as both an Australian and a Jew.
The attack on October 7 and the war in Gaza have brought antisemitism to the forefront of public consciousness in Australia. Kahn, who never experienced antisemitism directly before this, now finds herself questioning her safety. Her story is one of pride and defiance, but it also highlights the very real dangers faced by the Jewish community. The concrete barriers around synagogues and the presence of policemen near Jewish institutions are stark reminders of the heightened security measures now in place.
Jessica Rozen's experience is a stark contrast to Kahn's. Rozen, who was celebrating Chanukah at Bondi with her family, was caught in an antisemitic attack that left 15 people dead. Her bravery in sheltering and calming a young girl while separated from her husband and children has been celebrated by the nation. However, Rozen does not want to be defined by that day. She wants Australians to understand that Jewish life is more than trauma and fear; it is spiritual, cultural, and traditional, a rich history passed down through generations.
Rozen's grandparents were Iraqi, and her father, who moved to Australia from India at 13, encountered discrimination and antisemitism. His advice to her was to never back down in the face of antisemitism, to punch back harder. This reflects a broader sentiment within the Jewish community, a determination to not be defined by hatred. However, the recent rise in antisemitism has forced Rozen to become more cautious, aware that being Jewish and publicly Jewish makes her a target.
The stories of Kahn and Rozen raise important questions about the state of antisemitism in Australia. While Kahn's journey is one of pride and defiance, Rozen's experience underscores the very real dangers and the need for vigilance. The Jewish community in Australia is not alone in facing these challenges, and the broader society must take responsibility for creating an environment where antisemitism is not tolerated. Education and interconnectedness are key to reducing the intensity and pervasiveness of antisemitism, and Australians must be at the forefront of this effort.
In my opinion, the recent events have brought to the forefront a long-simmering issue: the state of antisemitism in Australia. The Jewish community is not alone in facing these challenges, and the broader society must take responsibility for creating an environment where antisemitism is not tolerated. Education and interconnectedness are key to reducing the intensity and pervasiveness of antisemitism, and Australians must be at the forefront of this effort.
