In New South Wales, Australia, authorities are considering a prohibition on the chant “globalize the intifada,” widely seen as an antisemitic slogan that incites violence against Jewish communities.
This potential ban is being discussed shortly after a tragic shooting at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, which claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stated that the proposed legislation would grant police the authority to require demonstrators to remove face coverings during protests, according to reports from The Associated Press.
Rabbi Yossi Friedman led a memorial for the victims of the attack during a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach on December 14, as seen in Sydney, Australia, on December 20, 2025. (Eloisa Lopez/Reuters)
“There is no room for hate speech or the incitement of hatred in our community,” Minns declared on Saturday, as reported by the AP.
He further emphasized, “The recent tragic incidents have demonstrated that the slogan ‘globalize the intifada’ constitutes hate speech and promotes violence in our society. Using such language poses significant risks.”
The proposed ban would also prohibit public displays of ISIS flags or extremist symbols. Offenses could be punishable by up to two years in prison and can include fines, according to the AP.
Police inspect the site of a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney Dec. 15, 2025. (David Gray/AFP via Getty Images)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday that intelligence further confirmed the Bondi Beach shooting was inspired by ISIS.
“We’ve been informed that the Office of National Intelligence has identified a regular online video feed from ISIS that reinforces that this was an ISIS-inspired attack,” Albanese told reporters, according to The Times of Israel. He also announced a gun buyback plan and a “day of reflection” following the deadly attack.
The announcement of NSW’s proposed ban comes after Albanese pledged to introduce measures to curb radicalization and hate, including broadening the definition of hate speech offenses.
A woman kneels and prays at a flower memorial to shooting victims outside the Bondi Pavilion at Sydney’s Bondi Beach Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, a day after a shooting. (Mark Baker/AP Photo)
Australia had faced rising antisemitism prior to the attack at Bondi Beach, with a number of incidents occurring after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks against Israel.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a prominent member of the Jewish community who was killed in the Bondi Beach attack, wrote a letter to Albanese about his concerns regarding rising antisemitism. Schlanger implored the prime minister “not to betray the Jewish people.“
