The escalating costs of security at Jewish schools in Melbourne are a stark reminder of the growing anti-Semitism in Australia. The principal of Mount Scopus Memorial College, Dan Sztrajt, revealed that the security levy for parents has skyrocketed from $500 in 2022 to $1130 in 2025, with the true cost of security operations and capital expenditure exceeding $3000 per student. This is a staggering figure, and it highlights the immense financial burden that Jewish families are facing to ensure their children's safety. What makes this situation even more concerning is the emotional toll it takes on families. The constant worry and fear of anti-Semitic incidents are affecting the well-being of students and staff, and it's a sad reality that they have to live with such insecurity.
The rise in anti-Semitic incidents since October 2023 has been alarming. Mount Scopus has recorded 131 incidents since January 1, 2022, but Mr. Sztrajt believes this is just the tip of the iceberg. The school's decision to arm security guards in 2015, following a terrorist attack in France, was a necessary step, but it has become increasingly challenging to manage the escalating costs and the emotional impact on the community. The school now has a full-time on-campus security adviser with counter-terrorism experience, which is a testament to the severity of the situation.
The situation is so dire that some Jewish families are considering migrating to Israel. Benjamin Klein, a board member of Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue, which was firebombed in December 2024, shared that some families see Israel as a safer option. This is a concerning trend, as it indicates a brain drain of highly skilled citizens from Australia due to anti-Semitism. Rabbi Levi Wolff of the Central Synagogue Sydney echoed this sentiment, stating that Australia is losing talented individuals who contribute to the country's growth and development.
The vilification of Jewish Australians is an insult to their history and contribution to the country. Rabbi Wolff pointed out that Jews have been part of Australia since the First Fleet in 1788, serving in the armed forces and making significant contributions to various fields. The normalization of anti-Semitic language and the exclusion of Jews from public life are disturbing parallels to Nazi Germany, as highlighted by George Foster, the president of South Sydney Synagogue. The increasing number of attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses is a cause for concern, and the fear of displaying Jewish identity publicly is a chilling reminder of the past.
The situation in Australia is so dire that it has shocked Jews in the US. Rabbi Wolff shared that people in the States are appalled by the level of anti-Semitism in Australia, and it's a sad reality that the country is losing its Jewish community. The Bondi Beach terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people, is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred and the need for action. The royal commission on anti-Semitism and social cohesion is a step in the right direction, but it's crucial to address the underlying issues and take concrete steps to combat anti-Semitism in Australia.
In conclusion, the escalating costs of security at Jewish schools and the emotional toll on families are a stark reminder of the growing anti-Semitism in Australia. The country is losing its Jewish community, and it's a sad reality that the government needs to take action to combat this issue. The royal commission is a step in the right direction, but it's crucial to address the underlying issues and take concrete steps to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish Australians.
