CSG:alert but not alarmed
THE ripple effects of Operation Pillar of Defence have been felt in Australia with an increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents. But despite the rise, neither Sydney’s Communal Security Group (CSG) nor Melbourne’s Community Security Group (CSG) has raised the alert level at this stage.
THE ripple effects of Operation Pillar of Defence have been felt in Australia with an increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents. But despite the rise, neither Sydney’s Communal Security Group (CSG) nor Melbourne’s Community Security Group (CSG) has raised the alert level at this stage.
“An escalation of tension and conflict involving Israel has historically always resulted in an increase in incidents and occurrences affecting local Jewish communities globally,” David Rothman, the head of Sydney’s CSG, told The AJN this week. “Last weekend in Sydney followed the same pattern.”
While he wouldn’t disclose the precise nature of the events, he did stress that there were “no serious incidents”.
The AJN understands that after discussion with authorities, Rothman advised the Zionist Council of NSW to move Sunday’s Israel solidarity rally from Barracluff Park into Bondi Mizrachi Synagogue. Despite concerns from many people who wanted to protest outside, the decision was reportedly made by organisers, after advice from CSG, because they learnt of specific information relevant to the event that could have disrupted the rally and threatened the safety of those in attendance.
Rothman added that the organisation is working closely with NSW Police and federal agencies to assess any possible threats and update the community as quickly as possible.
“At present there is no increase in alert level, but we remain vigilant, because there is no accurate way of predicting what may occur in the future.”
Melbourne’s CSG is also remaining at its current alert level – four – which is high. Director Simon Glynn concurred with Rothman that whenever Israel is involved in a conflict, the possibility of an attack in the Diaspora increases.
“Jewish communities are often viewed as being somehow responsible for the actions of Israel and therefore institutions such as synagogues, Jewish schools and community buildings can be targeted instead,” he told The AJN.
Glynn said he was working with all community organisations to ensure the necessary security arrangements are in place.
He noted that in the wake of Pillar of Defence, social media such as Facebook and Twitter has been the prime medium for low-level anti-Semitic incidents, where in previous years phone calls and emails would have been more common.
Rothman and Glynn both stressed that any anti-Semitic incidents or suspicious activity needs to be reported to the relevant branch of CSG.
“It is important to remain alert and vigilant and report all suspicious incidents, verbal abuse or assault to the CSG immediately,” Rothman said.
Sydney CSG can be contacted on 1300 793 274. Melbourne CSG can be contacted on 1300 000 274.
JOSHUA LEVI AND PHOEBE ROTH
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