I recently witnessed a pro-Palestinian protest on the Gold Coast and came across provocative art on DeviantArt that was both pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli. This made me deeply uncomfortable and concerned. I understand the pain and suffering of the Palestinian people, and I recognize that many people who support Palestine do so out of compassion for those enduring hardship. However, I am troubled by how some expressions of support for Palestine can inadvertently fuel animosity towards Israel and, by extension, Jewish communities worldwide.

The sentiments I observed seemed to echo dangerous and harmful rhetoric: "All Israelis must die," "I Am Anti-Jew," and other similar statements. These are not only incorrect but harmful and serve to perpetuate hate rather than foster understanding and compassion. It is crucial to distinguish between criticism of a government's military actions and blatant antisemitism.

Being pro-Palestinian does not require being anti-Israeli. We must strive to be like a Care Bear—caring for those in need but also showing compassion to everyone, even to those who might be perceived as unkind. The blame for the current conflict cannot be placed on the Israeli public or Jewish communities; it is the result of decades of complex geopolitical issues, primarily influenced by military and governmental decisions.

We need legislation to prevent animosity towards Israel, as such expressions often cross the line into antisemitism. This is not about silencing legitimate criticism but about ensuring that this criticism does not morph into hate speech that endangers the lives and safety of Jewish communities globally.

I urge the policymakers and community leaders to consider the gravity of unchecked antisemitic rhetoric and take action to create laws that protect Jewish communities from this harmful speech. By having clear legal frameworks, we can encourage dialogue that supports peace and understanding while safeguarding individuals from hate-based attacks.

Please join me in calling for laws against the expression of animosity toward Israel that crosses into antisemitism. This is a step towards ensuring safety, respect, and peaceful dialogue for all involved. Sign this petition to help bring about necessary change.