The Australian government has already revoked Simcha Rothman’s visa. The leader of Israel’s far-right Mafdal-Religious Zionism party was due to land in Australia for a highly contentious speaking tour as soon as next week. Rothman was set to speak at several of these, including one organized by the Australian Jewish Association in Sydney. His visa cancellation has opened a serious discussion around the erosion of free speech and chill of political discourse within Australia.
Rothman, no stranger to inflammatory rhetoric, has previously urged the expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza strip. He has repeatedly denied allegations that starvation is being used as a weapon in the region. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s comments were unequivocal. He underscored the commitment of his government to turn away visitors whose intent is to breed discord among the locals. Implementation of this decision sends a powerful message to a long-standing member of Israel’s Knesset. It is indicative of a larger, positive trend of understanding how political leaders can stoke rage and unrest.
Government Justification
Minister Tony Burke addressed the importance of the Australian government keeping communities socially cohesive. He stated, “Our government takes a hard line on people who seek to come to our country and spread division.” He further articulated that visitors promoting hate are not welcome, asserting, “If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don’t want you here.”
As Burke’s welcoming remarks made clear, these principles of safety and security for all citizens remain paramount to our government and society. He asserted that under his administration, “Australia will be a country where everyone can be safe, and feel safe.” The Administration’s decision to deny Rothman’s visa is a clear affirmation of that vision. It has raised a firestorm of opposition over its chilling effect on political speech.
Reactions from Rothman and Supporters
In reaction to the cancelled visa, Rothman went to social media to air his grievances. He questioned Minister Burke’s reasoning, asking, “What comments of mine did you find troubling that would incite social unrest in Australia?” Rothman claims that his invitation to speak stemmed from a community effort to address rising anti-Semitic attacks on synagogues and a feeling of alienation among Jewish Australians.
He described the decision as “clear and blatant anti-Semitism that gives a boost to terrorism.” The government’s actions, Rothman emphasized, prove that if he were to return, he would be a peace-breaking force. He argues that this is inspired by a radical Islamist mob that wants to prevent Israel from existing. His criticisms reveal an important and alarming trend among supporters that counters the freedom of speech afforded to elected representatives of democratic countries.
Broader Political Implications
Rothman isn’t the only one watching the cancellation closely. Now prominent Tories – including most notably the very establishment Liberal Senator Dave Sharma – are making these arguments. Sharma’s case was that elected representatives from other liberal democracies should usually be allowed into Australia no matter how much we might disagree with them. He stated, “I would say that elected representatives from democratic nations, liberal democracies with friendly relations with Australia, the presumption should always be they are granted a visa.”
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from other Israeli politicians as well. The Australian visa ban drew sharp criticism from Israeli Itamar Ben-Gvir, their Minister for National Security. He condemned the government’s steps as an expression of support for Hamas and terrorism. He slammed the celebratory reactions from left-wing activists as shameful.
