Australia Accuses Iran of Role in Attacks on Jewish Restaurant & Synagogue, Expels Envoy
In a bold move, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Iran of orchestrating anti-Semitic attacks in the country and announced the expulsion of Tehran’s ambassador. The decision comes after Australian intelligence linked Iran to two recent incidents, an attack on a Jewish-run restaurant in Sydney and another on a Melbourne synagogue.
The revelations have sent shockwaves across the country, with many calling for increased security measures to protect the Jewish community. The situation has also sparked concerns about the rise of anti-Semitic incidents in Australia, which have been increasing since the Israel-Hamas war broke out.
According to reports, the attack on the Jewish-run restaurant in Sydney occurred on August 15, when a group of masked men stormed the premises, causing damage and intimidating customers. The incident is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police, who have arrested several individuals in connection with the attack.
Just days later, on August 22, a Melbourne synagogue was targeted in a separate incident, with vandals spray-painting anti-Semitic graffiti on the building’s walls. The incident is being treated as a hate crime, and police have launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators.
In response to the incidents, Prime Minister Albanese has accused Iran of being behind the attacks, citing intelligence that suggests Tehran was involved in orchestrating the incidents. “We have received intelligence that suggests Iran was involved in these attacks, and as a result, we have decided to expel the Iranian ambassador from Australia,” Albanese said in a statement.
The decision to expel the Iranian ambassador is a significant move, given the two countries’ diplomatic ties. However, it is not the first time that Australia has taken a stand against Iran’s alleged involvement in anti-Semitic incidents.
In recent years, Australia has been a vocal critic of Iran’s human rights record, and has called for increased international pressure on the country to address its treatment of minority groups. The country has also been a strong supporter of Israel, and has condemned anti-Semitic incidents in the country.
The expelling of the Iranian ambassador is likely to escalate tensions between Australia and Iran, but it is seen as a necessary step to protect the country’s Jewish community. The decision has been welcomed by Jewish leaders, who have expressed relief that the government is taking a tough stance on anti-Semitism.
“We appreciate the government’s swift action in expelling the Iranian ambassador and holding Iran accountable for its actions,” said a spokesperson for the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. “We urge the government to continue to prioritize the safety and security of our community, and to take all necessary steps to prevent further incidents of anti-Semitism.”
The recent incidents in Australia have sparked concerns about the rise of anti-Semitism in the country. According to data from the Australian Institute of Jewish Affairs, there has been a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia since the Israel-Hamas war broke out.
In the first six months of 2025, there were 147 reported incidents of anti-Semitism in Australia, compared to 83 in the same period the previous year. The majority of incidents involved verbal abuse, vandalism, and intimidation, but there were also several instances of physical violence and property damage.
The increase in anti-Semitic incidents has been attributed to a range of factors, including the conflict in the Middle East and the spread of anti-Semitic rhetoric online. However, many experts believe that the incidents are also driven by a growing sense of anti-Semitism among some sections of the community.
“We are seeing a toxic mix of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, which is being fueled by online hate speech and political extremism,” said Dr. Izzy Kalman, a leading expert on anti-Semitism. “It is essential that we address this issue head-on, by promoting education and tolerance, and by holding individuals and organizations accountable for their actions.”
In conclusion, the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador from Australia is a significant move that sends a strong message to Iran and other countries that tolerate anti-Semitism. The decision is a necessary step to protect the country’s Jewish community and to hold Iran accountable for its actions.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that the Australian government and the international community take a united stance against anti-Semitism. By promoting education, tolerance, and human rights, we can work towards a future where such incidents are a thing of the past.
