On August 26, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the country’s National Intelligence Service (ASIO) has obtained evidence directly linking Iran to terrorist attacks against the Australian Jewish community. The attacks targeted the Adas Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis’ Continental Kitchen restaurant in Sydney in 2024. In response, Australia has decided to expel the Iranian ambassador and recall its own diplomatic mission head from Tehran.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) welcomes these crucial steps in exposing Iranian terrorism and expresses gratitude to Australian intelligence services for uncovering these crimes. However, it’s important to note that incidents like those in Sydney and Melbourne were preceded by an atmosphere of verbal incitement and open anti-Israeli sentiment.

EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili stated:

“We emphasize that official rhetoric must be extremely cautious, and any manifestations of hatred must be immediately prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Irresponsible rhetoric and a sense of impunity allow extremist ideas to gain strength, which in this case helped Iranian terrorist activities take root in Australian society. As a result, we are now dealing with dire consequences – the Australian Jewish community has become a target for terrorists operating under the Iranian regime’s direction within a sovereign foreign state.

In recent years, we have consistently warned about the very fine line between legitimate state criticism and anti-Zionism – a form of antisemitism that affects Jewish communities worldwide. This is not an issue that can be dismissed; it requires strategic solutions at the highest level. This case perfectly demonstrates that it’s not just a Jewish community problem but primarily a concern for the state where such incidents occur.

We also warn countries in our region: the Iranian regime remains the world’s primary sponsor of terrorism and the main threat to regional and global stability. In their fanatical goal to destroy the State of Israel, this regime will stop at nothing, and even residents of countries far from the Middle East can fall victim to their terror.

We deeply regret that members of the Australian Jewish community had to suffer from Iran’s actions. We sincerely hope that all organizers and perpetrators of these crimes will face justice, and that Australian authorities will pay special attention to addressing antisemitism.”