Esther’s Blueprint for Combatting Antisemitism in Australia
Written by: Andrew Wallace MP is the Federal Member for Fisher and Chair of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus.
The coming week, from 2 to 3 March, marks the Jewish festival of Purim. Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from an evil plot to destroy them, as documented in the Book of Esther. Purim is usually a joyful celebration with costumes, desserts and reading the Megillah. But in the wake of the Bondi Beach tragedy, this year’s Purim carries a deeper, more sombre significance.
The story centres on a Jewish orphan girl living in the Persian diaspora. Through a series of seemingly coincidental yet divinely orchestrated events, she is chosen by the Persian King to become Queen Esther.
At her cousin Mordecai’s urging, Esther intervenes after the King’s advisor, Haman, convinces him to issue a decree to destroy the Jews. Esther courageously approaches the King at risk of her own life to deliver her people.
This was precipitated by Mordecai’s famous exhortation to Esther: “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14).
I quoted that line “For such a time as this” at the launch of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus last year, which I Chair, highlighting the critical and timely role of the Caucus in confronting Australia’s own antisemitism crisis:
“Australia is facing an antisemitism crisis, and it is incumbent upon all Australians – and especially those elected to lead the country – that we stand up, speak up, and show up for Israel and the Jewish people. The world is watching – allies and competitors alike. We must have each other’s backs in the fight against antisemitism. The Australia-Israel Allies Caucus exists for such a time as this, by uniting political leaders in the cause of combatting antisemitism and to advance the Australia-Israel relationship”.
The Bondi terrorist attack tragically reinforced that the work of the Caucus has never been more pressing in Australia. It indeed exists “for such a time as this”. But as we move forward with this work, there are many more critical lessons to be drawn from the story of Esther.
Whose Side are You On? Controversy Over Zion
That is, whose side are you on when it comes to Zion? And what is Zionism?
Rev. Malcolm Hedding, former Executive President of ICEJ, says of Biblical Zionism that it seeks to declare the truth of God’s Word that bequeaths to the Jewish people the Land of Israel as an everlasting possession for the purposes of world redemption. (The Heart of Biblical Zionism).
ICEJ Spokesman David Parsons says that since October 7, Christians are being forced to decide: which side you are on? He also asks: are you willing to stand with Israel and risk being the target of scorn and perhaps even violence?
And indeed, Christian Zionism has come into mocking and slander by supposedly Conservative Influencers and questioned in Jerusalem by some of the Orthodox Churches
Read ‘Controversy Over Zion‘ on our website by clicking the button below, to equip yourself with understanding of, and how to deal with, accusations of error from within Christian circles.
ALIYAH 2026
In an historic move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approved a five-year plan to complete the Aliyah of the Bnei Menashe community — descendants of the ancient Israelite tribe of Manasseh who have kept their Jewish identity alive for 2,700 years of exile.
Your support can sponsor flights, provide absorption assistance, and help families reunite after years of separation. Preparation, flights, initial absorption is approximately $3,000 per person.
JERUSALEM SUMMIT
JUNE 2026
We are living in a decisive moment for the Church. Across the whole world, antisemitism is surging at an alarming rate following the October 7 terror invasion. At the same time, Israel is increasingly delegitimised — not only politically, but also within theological discourse. Even within Evangelical and Charismatic circles, old doctrinal errors are returning dressed in new garments and biblical clarity is being quietly eroded.
For this reason, we are urgently convening the Jerusalem Summit. Our aim is to equip Christian leaders to understand and respond to modern antisemitism, to restore biblical clarity on Israel, covenant and the Church, and to strengthen the Church’s public and theological witness in a time of confusion.
This summit is intentionally practical. Participants will receive usable teaching from leading theologians and experts around the world, pastoral tools and resources ready for immediate implementation in churches, Bible schools and leadership networks. This is meant to be taught, preached and lived.
The Jerusalem Summit is especially for pastors, theologians, Bible teachers and leaders responsible for doctrine, education and public witness — for all who love Israel and care about the integrity of the Church.
I urge you to give the Jerusalem Summit priority.
FEAST OF TABERNACLES
Experience a life-changing journey to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, a biblical celebration uniting believer from around the world. Immerse yourself in vibrant worship, powerful teaching, and the unique joy of gathering in the city of our great King.
Join us from 25 September – 30 September 2026 for the Feast of Tabernacles.
GLOBAL PRAYER WATCH
At ICEJ, we believe prayer is the engine of our ministry and should touch every part of what we are doing in Israel and around the world! We want you, our partners, to engage with us in prayer via our multiple prayer initiatives throughout the month and make the maximum impact in praying for God’s land and His people in these trying times.
With the constant threat of attack, the rising witness of Antisemitism and the devastation left behind in the lives of so many across Israel and globally – now is the time to gather in prayer and uplift the nation of Israel.
Blessings,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
