AJN article raises alarm over free speech and visa bans:
https://www.australianjewishnews.com/addressing-home-affairs-troubling-policy-of-blocking-israeli-visas/
The Australian Jewish News recently published an article raising serious concerns about the way Australia’s immigration policies are being applied to Israeli visitors. The article points to a troubling trend: pro-Israel voices are being shut out of Australia, while extremist voices are allowed in.
Over the past year, Immigration Minister Tony Burke has cancelled visas for three high-profile Israelis who had been invited by respected Jewish organisations to speak in Australia. Each time, the cancellations were made at the very last minute, just as the visitors were preparing to leave Israel. The official reasoning has been that their presence might pose a risk to the “health, safety or good order” of the Australian community.
Those affected include:
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Ayelet Shaked, Israel’s former Interior and Justice Minister, who was denied entry in November 2024 despite visiting the year before.
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Hillel Fuld, an Israeli-American entrepreneur and pro-Israel advocate, whose visa was revoked in June 2025 just before he was due to speak at humanitarian fundraising events for Magen David Adom.
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Simcha Rothman, a current member of the Knesset, who was granted a visa in August 2025 only to have it cancelled ten days later on the eve of his departure, allegedly on the grounds that his views could upset segments of the Islamic community in Australia.
By contrast, the article notes, individuals with openly antisemitic and anti-Israel agendas have faced little difficulty entering Australia. Minister Burke has even told the press that he “doesn’t care” about criticism of his approach and has boasted of blocking “divisive” visitors at unprecedented rates.
The AJN article argues that these decisions are not only discriminatory but also an attack on the implied freedom of political communication protected by the Australian Constitution. Preventing Israelis from sharing their perspectives while allowing extremist voices a platform undermines both equality and free debate.
For these reasons, Warlows Legal, together with counsel Mark Friedgut, is now acting on behalf of Mr Rothman and the Australian Jewish Association to challenge the government’s decision.
The message is clear: if the Jewish community does not defend its rights, no one else will. And if we do not act now, then when?
