In this opinion piece, former Canberra Times editor Jack Waterford argues that Jewish Australians deserve strong protection from violence, intimidation and discrimination, particularly following the rise in anti-Semitic incidents and the deadly attack at Bondi Beach.

He contends that governments, police and security agencies have a responsibility to safeguard all Australians from hate crimes and terrorism, and that Commissioner Virginia Bell's inquiry into anti-Semitism and social cohesion is justified in examining whether authorities responded adequately to these threats.

However, Waterford argues that criticism of the policies and military actions of the State of Israel should not automatically be regarded as anti-Semitism.

He maintains that many Jewish Australians identify closely with Israel, but that political criticism of a nation is fundamentally different from hostility towards Jewish people as an ethnic or religious group.

The article rejects proposals that would grant special powers or exceptional protections to organisations representing Jewish interests, arguing that all communities should be treated equally under the law.

Waterford also criticises suggestions to impose greater oversight of the media or universities in relation to reporting on Israel, warning that such measures would undermine freedom of speech and political communication.

He notes that many Jewish people, both in Australia and overseas, openly criticise the Israeli government's actions, demonstrating that opposition to Israeli policy is not inherently anti-Semitic.

The piece concludes that Australia should continue combating genuine anti-Semitism through existing criminal and anti-terrorism laws while preserving robust public debate about international affairs, including criticism of Israel where warranted.