The Australian government revoked the visa of an Israeli far-right politician on Monday, just before his speaking tour, a decision event organizers labeled as “viciously antisemitic.”
Simcha Rothman, a member of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, was set to speak at events planned by the Australian Jewish Association.
However, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that Australia would not welcome individuals who aim to “spread division.”
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
“If your intent is to bring a message of hate and division to Australia, you are not welcome,” he remarked. “Australia is a place where everyone should feel safe and be safe.”
Due to the visa cancellation, Rothman is barred from entering Australia for the next three years.
Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory mentioned that Rothman’s visit aimed to “express solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community amid rising antisemitism.”
“The visit was unrelated to ongoing events in the Middle East,” he shared on social media.
Gregory criticized the visa revocation as “a viciously antisemitic act,” accusing the Australian government of being “fixated” on targeting the Jewish community and Israel.
