NEW YORK — The World Jewish
Congress (WJC) congratulates the Australian government, and especially Special Envoy
Jillian Segal AO, on the release of The Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat
Antisemitism. This serious, comprehensive strategy meets the urgency of the
moment and sets a strong example for democratic nations worldwide.
The plan outlines clear
and concrete steps, including:
- Education reform, including the implementation of antisemitism awareness in schools and universities;
- Legal changes, such as strengthening hate speech laws and closing enforcement gaps;
- Visa screening, to keep out individuals who incite hatred;
- Institutional accountability, including linking government funding to how universities respond to antisemitism;
- Digital regulation, calling on platforms and media to take responsibility for online incitement.
The Plan to Combat
Antisemitism is one of the most detailed national strategies to emerge in the
post-October 7 climate. It addresses difficult questions, including how to hold
major institutions accountable when they fail to protect Jewish Australians.
We commend Jillian Segal’s
leadership in advancing this plan. Over the past year, she has helped to elevate
antisemitism from a sidelined concern to a national priority, making clear that
inaction is no longer an option.
The WJC urges the
Australian government to adopt the recommendations in full and looks forward to
sharing best practices in the Special Envoy & Coordinators Combating
Antisemitism (SECCA) forum, a WJC initiative, as implementation begins.Â
This plan is more than
policy. It is a public commitment to confronting hate, protecting communities and
upholding democratic values. Australia has taken a real step forward – others
must follow.
About the World Jewish Congress
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations.