Immediately following the antisemitic terror attack that took place on Sunday in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described “shocking and disturbing scenes,” and generically referred to the victims as “any person who was harmed.” This choice of words, which failed to highlight the obvious antisemitic nature of the attack or the fact that it targeted the celebration of the first night of Chanukah, angered Jews and people of good conscience around the world.

Several hours later, amid public criticism and video footage that left no room for doubt regarding the failure of Albanese’s initial statement, he adopted a different tone. He acknowledged that this was indeed an antisemitic terrorist act against the Jewish community and even went further, reaffirming that Jews have “every right to be proud of who you are and what you believe.” In light of his clear and unequivocal support for the Jewish community in these later remarks, some may argue that too much weight should not be placed on the wording of his initial response. But unfortunately, Albanese’s record of statements from the not-so-distant past suggests otherwise.

In the face of the growing number of antisemitic incidents, attacks, and threats against Jewish citizens of Australia since the attacks of Oct 7 that forced Israel into war two years ago, Albanese and his government have repeatedly........

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