Here is my latest article on NewLife – you can read the original here
Letters to a Post-Christian Nation 7 – The Jews in Australia
Dear Fellow Citizen,
What do you think of Israel? A few years ago, that would have been a largely irrelevant question in Australia, and much of the Western world, for most people. But today it is one of the key questions. If you are one of the white middle class, middle aged, people who attend Glastonbury you chant your hatred of Israel. If you are one of the mobs on the streets of Melbourne or Sydney shouting ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine shall be free’ you are calling for the eradication of Israel – and if you are a supporter of Hamas, the eradication of all Jews.
Why such hatred for Israel? Why the focus on Israel and the Jews? It’s not just because of Gaza – after all many more people have been killed and displaced in Sudan than in Gaza – and yet there are no marches on the streets for the Sudanese, no celebrities posting their endless opinions on how the Sudanese could be free.
The hatred of Israel and of the Jews has been thousands of years in the making. The Jews were expelled from their land by the ultimate colonisers, the Roman Empire. The Romans even turned their country into a province and gave it a Latin name – Palestinia. They were determined to eradicate the Jews from the land – from the River to the Sea. After all the pogroms, exiles, wars, persecutions and ultimately the Holocaust of the 20th Century, it is astonishing that the Jewish people have survived at all.
But they haven’t just survived – they have flourished. In almost every land they have gone to. And when the Jews flourish – invariably the wider population benefits. Jewish individuals constitute less than 0.2% of the global population (approximately 15–16 million people), yet they account for over 20% of Nobel Prizes, a disproportionate achievement often attributed to cultural emphasis on education, intellectual pursuit, and resilience in diaspora communities.
Maybe that is why they are so hated? Jealousy?
The Jews arrived in Australia with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 – where there were at least 8 Jewish convicts. Over the next 60 years around 800 more arrived – mostly from the working-class areas of London. Free Jewish settlers started coming in the 1820’s. By 1901 there were 15,000 Jews mostly in Sydney and Melbourne.
Today, Australia’s Jewish population is approximately 120,000, with 99,956 identifying as Jewish by religion in the 2021 census, though estimates suggest a higher number due to underreporting. The community is centred in Melbourne (46%) and Sydney (39%).
After the Second World war thousands of Holocaust survivors came with the result, that apart from Israel, Australia had the highest per capita Holocaust survivor population. I think of that when I visit the Jewish Museum in Sydney and am proud of my adopted land. Which is why it was shocking to witness a couple of years ago an anti-Israel demonstration in Sydney which included chants of ‘gas the Jews’ (although some said it was ‘where are the Jews’ – hardly less intimidating). Jewish people were advised to stay out of the CBD. Since then, anti-semitism – in universities, in media and on the streets has risen enormously. Why has this happened?
Much of it has to do with Islam. The hatred of the Jews and Israel in the West is no longer driven by far-right extremists (though that still exists). The hatred is driven by religion (the increase in Muslim immigrants being a key factor) and by the post-modern absurdity of left-wing progressives thinking it is cool to support Islam and attack Israel. Which is why you end up with such anomalies as ‘Queers for Palestine’ – given that any openly homosexual person in Gaza is likely to end up dead! The only country where homosexuality is legal in the Middle East is ironically Israel.
I was proud of my native country, Scotland, which was the only country in Europe (perhaps along with Iceland and Finland) never to have had anti-Jewish laws. But Scotland too has fallen prey to the virus of anti-semitism – aided and abetted by the former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, endlessly tweeting anti-Israel tweets. A few years ago, a gay Jewish activist I knew in Scotland told me he was getting out of the country. When I asked him if it was because of homophobia, (he and I had had a couple of robust discussions on this subject!) he said no – it was because of the new wave of anti-semitism.
Now of course we have to be careful. Not every criticism of Israel is anti-semitic. Nor does being pro Jewish mean you have to support Benjamin Netanyahu. But it is also true that anti-semitism easily hides behind legitimate political criticism. If you doubt that – ask yourself when you last saw marches on the streets of Australia for the Nigerian Christians being slaughtered? Or the 150,000 Sudanese you have died since 2023? Ask yourself why the Jewish Museum in Sydney (and many synagogues and Jewish schools) have to have armed guards and the kind of security that an airport has?
As I sit writing this, in front of me on my desk is the Shema in Hebrew and English – “Hear O Israel! The Lord is our God! The Lord
is One.!” Taken from Deuteronomy 6:4. Why is it there? To remind me of the fact that God first revealed himself in and through the Jews, that Jesus was ‘of the line of David’; and that as a Christian I owe a great debt to the Jewish people.
And so does Australia. Jews have made significant contributions to Australian society in politics, arts, business, and military, including General Sir John Monash, Sir Isaac Isaacs (Governor-General, 1931–1936), and Mark Dreyfus (current Attorney General). Others include Simcha Baevski (Sydney Myer) (1878–1934): A Russian-born Jewish immigrant, Myer arrived during the gold rush and founded the iconic Myer department store chain. And Sir Isaac Isaacs (1855–1948): Australia’s first native-born Governor-General (1931–1936) and the first Jewish vice-regal representative in the British Empire. A barrister and High Court judge, Isaacs helped draft the Australian Constitution, leaving a lasting legal and political legacy. Isaac Nathan (c.1792–1864): Known as the “father of Australian music,” Nathan composed Australia’s first opera, Don John of Austria, and was the first to transcribe Indigenous Australian music. He arrived in 1841, enriching the colony’s cultural life.
Christians have different theological perspectives on Israel and the Jews. For example, is the current nation state of Israel a fulfillment of biblical prophecy? I have no desire to go down that particular rabbit hole in this letter – but suffice it so say that is not the key question. What we really need to ask is do we want to be in a nation with a rich Judaeo-Christian heritage and culture? The heritage and culture on which Australia was founded? Then we must stand up for the Jews (not the same as always standing up for the Israeli government), appreciate what they have given us, and pray for the salvation of Israel and the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122).
And we must also remember that it is the Jew, Jesus Christ, who is the only one who can bring that peace. He is the one who breaks down the dividing wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, as that other Jew, Paul, reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians. It is only when the whole earth is filled with his glory that there will be peace ‘from the River to the Sea’… (see. Psalm 72)
Yours,
David
Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle.
Super. If only the MSM could have that clarity of thought.
Another excellent, incisive letter with historical facts David.
Sadly, there are none so blind as those who will not see.
“The rabbit hole” is a subject which is exactly that, but, maybe worth some ink being spilled, sometime.
I think the rabbit hole is one of the major problems causing this conflict.
David. It is not Jewish people that are the problem – it is Jewish governments. Starting with the Nakba Jewish governments have consistently expanded the land area granted to them at the expense of the Palestinian population. These breaches of International Law – already a weak concept – have allowed other groups in other countries such as Sudan, Nigeria and Russia to exploit conflicts. Contrary to what you say there have been protests against these other conflicts.
What needs to happen is development of much stronger international law enforceable by an international peace keeping force. Until we reach this point there will always be conflict and protest. It is nothing to do with Jewish people – unfortunately since the Fall – it is human nature.
Don’t be so naive. Here in Australia it is Jews who are the problem….its why we have such strong anti-semitism here. And which nations started wars against Israel seeking to destroy it in 1948, 1967 and 1973?
You know the story of my late husband. I think if you do some unbiased research you will find that the Israeli governments of the times – as indeed today – are the main aggressors. It is they that are causing problems for the Jewish people – no one else.
The Arab nations attacked and sought to destroy Israel in 1948, 1967 and 1973. Yet this makes Israel the ‘main aggressors’? It is Israel who are responsible for causing problems for the Jewish people? Not the Nazis? Not the Arab nations who have expelled most Jews from their nations? Not Hamas who have in their charter that people should kill Jews? No – it is the Israeli government – a government whose sole purpose is to create and defend a nation where Jews can be safe – they are the problem!
100%
The reason Zionists suffer from so much cognitive dissonance is that they are so heavily invested in their system and on the religious “Christian” side believe those objectively false narratives such as Gods blessing upon those who “bless” (Abraham) Israel. It was somehow OK and just for them to colonise and displace people in Palestine and insert a proxy nation on behalf of the West. How DARE the people who lived there object to being kicked around! The apologists like this deceived man are flat out pointing at the wrongs of Islam to distract from this FACT, when it is actually the wrongs of Judaism and Zionism which are fully on display here.
And as you say they don’t stand alone, however the Zionists have infiltrated and exert undue influence on our governments and foreign policy – and people are sick of it and can see historical patterns which have lead to Jews being ejected by previously friendly hosts hundreds of times in history. That is the reality that people like this man do not want to talk about. Yes Jews are disproportionately represented at the Nobel Prize. They are also also disproportionate in causing trouble for their host nations and the world.
Charlie Kirk was starting to realise it, dared to say it out loud – and look what happens.
Your catalogue of benefits Jewish citizens have brought to Australia is helpful and timely, though not exhaustive. For example their contribution to academia has been significant.
It set me to wondering what blessings Australia has received from the influx of Muslims ???
How’s this for starters – https://news.csu.edu.au/latest-news/anzac-day-understanding-the-contribution-of-australian-muslims
Exactly!
Earlier this year I attended a rally in support of Jews of what I thought would be Christians in front of Parliament House, Melbourne, only to discover there were also many Jews present. Over the next hour I worked my way through that crowd meeting many of them, introducing myself as a Christian, pointing out Jesus was a Jew and to say how sorry I was for all the hatred they were experiencing. Each time, many times over, individually they expressed their appreciation to be so addressed by a Christian. I was even able to catch up with a rabbi I had worked with politically some years previously. Thank God for the Jews. God is not done with them yet – Jesus is their Messiah.
Well said!
Have just come back from Turkey with work and believe I saw a glimpse of the real Turkey? Amazingly there were no Palestine flags to be seen, no protests, no T-shirts, no “free Gaza”. This is an Islamic country and if anyone should be protesting Palestine, surely it should be them? Why does it seem to be a Western obsession? Could it be that the West is the heart of rebellion against God, the seat of liberalism and the woke! I came back from Turkey with the firm conviction that the UK is now Sodom and Gomorrah. As for the restoration of Israel being a theological rabbit hole. It is only such for those who have been taught their theologies and their doctrines from their respective Bible colleges. For those who can read the Bible and understand that the Bible says what it means and means what it says, it is really quite simple. Israel was judged and sent into exile by God in AD70 of that there is little debate. That same God who rules the nations is the same one who re restablished them, is bringing them back to the Land and will ultimately save the remnant of them. Time to reevaluate our theologies in the face of obvious miracles and facts staring at us on our news every day! Unless you want to stay a pharisee and hold on to your doctrines even as Jesus is doing miracles right in front of your face. As Jesus said, can you not at least believe the works??
It is alarming and sad to see how theology is being used as an excuse for what is going on in the Holy Land. The conflict is solely due to massive mismanagement by politicians in the west imposing new boundaries. The same situation exists in other places eg the artificial creations of India and Pakistan. The wars of 1947, 1967 and 1973 were attempts to get stolen territories back. The fact that this land theft is still ongoing is one of the major problems. I also find it theologically distressing that none of the commentators see the huge loss of innocent lives as being an issue
Interesting that you approve of the Arab countries seeking to destroy Israel. Interesting and sad…
Interesting and sad – that you do not seem willing to accept that this is the main issue – Palestinians want the land allocated to them – which Israel has stolen from them – back. Nothing to do with destroying Israel.
Who allocated the land to Palestines? God gave the land to Israel 3,000 years ago….2,000 years ago the Roman colonisers renamed it Palestine and eradicated the Jews from the land. I stand with the original indigenous people….not the colonisers…..You do realise that Hamas and the nations who went to war with Israel – did so precisely because they did want to destroy it?
I’d recommend this book to your readers – https://www.amazon.com/Decolonizing-Palestine-Land-People-Bible-ebook/dp/B0CFYQX5XW?ref_=litb_stb_nodl&nodl_android=1
Psalm 105 the Word of God, it cannot be stated any clearer? And there are many, many others I could share but this one says it all. You really have to do Biblical ballet to justify the replacement theology position.
6 you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
7 He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
8 He remembers his covenant forever,
the promise he made, for a thousand generations,
9 the covenant he made with Abraham,
the oath he swore to Isaac.
10 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
11 “To you I will give the land of Canaan
as the portion you will inherit.”
The application of this to the current state of Israel is theologically unsound and given the loss of innocent lives – blasphemous. The actions of Israeli politicians cannot be excused in this way.
All very Old Testament – I thought the coming of our Lord represented a new era and Covenant. We are all People of God
Hi Glenda, please elaborate then how this clear word of God proclaiming His judgments in all the earth(middle east included). His eternal covenant with Israel. His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His promise of the land to them. Please explain how the application of this is theologically unsound and indeed blasphemous! That’s quite a statement! As I stated previously, the actions of Israel do not nullify the faithfulness, justice, grace and eternal covenants of God. As the actions of the church do not nullify either! God will judge us all, including you, on our actions and our beliefs. What is blasphemous is to deny the Bible and its clear teaching on God’s eternal love and covenant with Israel. And to curse Israel will invoke God’s curse even on those who claim Christian titles!! I feel sorry for you as you are looking at it purely from a worldly perspective and are being strongly deceived. If anyone, Christian or not, keeps on in their deception, they will sadly find themselves falling and being handed over to the great delusion by God Himself. As the Bible says, He hands them over as they did not love the truth that could have saved them. You may not like the fact that God is restoring Israel and giving them the Land as He promised. You may not like it, but God is not waiting for your or anyone’s approval, He is just asking His children to see and follow. If you choose not to see and instead oppose, then you will have to face Him with that!
Hello Guy. Are you sure that present day Israel is the Israel referred to in the Bible? Have you considered the possibility that your interpretation is incorrect and the consequences of this? If it is incorrect then there are huge consequences in humanitarian, geopolitical and theological terms.