One day before addressing Australia’s Jewish community, MK Simcha Rothman’s visa was abruptly canceled. He joins a growing list of Israeli figures—including Hillel Fuld and Ayelet Shaked—barred from entry under Canberra’s “anti-hate” policy.
Australia’s left-leaning government has ignited outrage in Israel and among Jewish communities abroad after Interior Minister Tony Burke canceled the visa of Israeli lawmaker MK Simcha Rothman just 24 hours before he was scheduled to appear at a Jewish community event.
Burke justified the decision bluntly:
“If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don’t want you here. Under our government, Australia will be a country where everyone can be safe, and feel safe.”
Rothman’s visa, approved only two weeks ago, was revoked, and he is now banned from entering Australia for the next three years.
📌 Why the Ban?
Authorities cited Rothman’s public statements, including:
- Israel “must destroy Hamas.”
- A Palestinian state is “the first step toward Israel’s destruction.”
- Israel must “apply sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.”
- “We will continue to strike at the enemy… the world must stand on the right side of history, strengthen the good in the war against evil.”
These remarks, labeled as “hate speech” by Australian officials, reflect mainstream positions within Israel’s Knesset—passed, Rothman pointed out, with a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
🔥 Rothman’s Response: “Blatant Antisemitism”
Rothman struck back hard at Canberra:
“The decision to deny me the opportunity to speak to my people is blatant and gross antisemitism that gives support to terror… Jews in Australia are attacked by jihadists, yet the government silences the voice of Israel.”
He argued the ban targets not him personally, but the entire Jewish community:
“This antisemitic decision is directed against the State of Israel and the Jewish people. On October 7, Israel learned the price of surrendering to terror. Australia has not learned this lesson—and the price will be heavy.”
🧾 Not the First Time
Rothman is the third high-profile Israeli figure blocked from Australia in the past year:
- Hillel Fuld, tech entrepreneur and brother of terror victim Ari Fuld, was barred in early 2025 over “social media posts.” His visit was meant to raise funds for emergency medical aid in Israel.
- Ayelet Shaked, former Justice Minister, was denied entry in November 2024. Officials said her opposition to a Palestinian state might “hurt the feelings” of other groups.
Shaked blasted the move as proof of Canberra’s “hostile attitude toward Israel” and “extremist pro-Palestinian agenda.”
⚖️ The Bigger Picture
The bans highlight a widening gap between Israel and Australia, once staunch allies. Canberra insists it is safeguarding inclusivity and preventing extremism. But critics warn it is crossing the line into censorship—silencing pro-Israel voices while emboldening Islamist rhetoric on Australian soil.
The fallout is likely to strain diplomatic ties further, leaving Australia’s Jewish community feeling isolated just when antisemitic attacks on synagogues and schools are surging.
