Local authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway into the two separate instances of "derogatory" graffiti found on the banknotes.
Dr. Ran Porat, an expert on antisemitism and researcher at Monash University in Australia, spoke to Kan Reshet Bet about the growing trend, stating that the swastikas on the banknotes represent just a small part of the larger problem. "Antisemitism in Australia has been expressed in various ways over the past eighteen months, particularly through visual displays on the streets, pro-Palestinian protests featuring Hezbollah flags, and chants against Israel and Jews. Jews also face harassment in universities and public spaces," Dr. Porat explained. He recalled an instance where his daughter was upset after witnessing a weekly pro-Palestinian demonstration in Melbourne. "Lecturers at universities even encourage students to participate in these demonstrations, leading to discrimination against Jewish students."
However, Dr. Porat urged that these incidents should not create a sense of constant fear among the Jewish community in Australia. "I don't want people in Israel to think we are in danger walking down the streets. These are isolated events," he clarified.
Earlier this month, the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne was also targeted in an arson attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an "act of terrorism" after investigations confirmed its nature.
