Friday, 22 August 2025

U. S. News: Should America’s military plan for a retreat from the Pacific?

 

Should America’s military plan for a retreat from the Pacific?


By Michael Peck, Defense News Com, August 21, 2025


25th Infantry Division soldiers fly back to Cagayan, Philippines, in a Blackhawk after completing a resupply mission for U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Marine Division in support of Exercise Balikatan 25 on April 26. (Spc. Charles Clark/U.S. Army)


When America goes to war, it likes to be on the offensive. “Nobody ever defended anything successfully,” Gen. George S. Patton famously said. “There is only attack and attack and attack some more.”


But for six months after Pearl Harbor, the U.S. military retreated and retreated some more. The U.S. garrison in the Philippines, under Gen. Douglas MacArthur, steadily retreated before the Japanese onslaught that culminated in the surrender at Bataan in May 1942. Isolated outposts at Wake Island and Guam fell, while the decimated and outnumbered U.S. fleet carefully stuck to hit-and-run as America mobilized for total war.


Today, a U.S. Army officer has a warning: In the face of growing Chinese military power, America needs to relearn how to conduct a fighting retreat in the Pacific.

“Fading advantages in firepower, distributed forces, and the growing operational reach of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) require an expansion of operational thought,” wrote Maj. Patrick Smith in a recent essay for Military Review, an Army professional publication. “The joint force must consider methods of retrograde to shape advantages in time, space, and force.”

Smith lists several factors that imperil America’s position in the Pacific.

“Small constellations of U.S. elements — ashore and afloat — encircle the looming mass of mainland China,” he wrote. “Operating on tenuous exterior lines, they are vulnerable to defeat in detail by a prodigious array of standoff munitions or blockade.” Resupply is difficult within range of Chinese weapons, reserves of personnel and munitions are scarce, and “regional partners can quickly about-face on support to U.S. forces, making presence in some locales untenable.”

Smith also worries that the U.S. lacks sufficient sealift, arguing that “glaring training shortfalls in crisis response, worsened by maintenance deficiencies, compromise U.S. capacity to conduct amphibious actions.”

Of all military operations, retreat under fire is probably the most difficult. Smith points to several historical examples where U.S. forces had to conduct fighting withdrawals, including the American Revolution, Civil War and World War II. Perhaps the most relevant example for the Pacific today is the 1941 Philippines campaign, where MacArthur planned a delaying action that called for U.S. and Filipino troops to gradually retreat from Manila south to the fortified Bataan peninsula — and then hold on until a relief force arrived from America. “Dugout Doug” MacArthur’s leadership in 1941 was controversial to say the least, but the six-month resistance until May 1942 did inflict some delay on Japanese operations.

Given that Manila was 2,000 miles from Tokyo and 5,000 miles from Pearl Harbor, choosing to conduct a retrograde operation while awaiting reinforcement was not an unreasonable strategy. The problem was that the relief force lay at the bottom of Pearl Harbor after the Japanese attack on December 7th. Not only didn’t the promised reinforcements arrive, but there was insufficient transport to evacuate the Philippines garrison.

“Strategic planners failed to prioritize sealift as the American Filipino force grimly gave way,” Smith noted. A similar fate nearly befell Washington’s army with its backs to the East River at the Battle of Long Island in August 1776, but for a regiment composed of Massachusetts fishermen who ferried the Continentals to safety.


A more successful example was Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s 1864 campaign in Virginia, when the Army of the Potomac withdrew from Cold Harbor. Through an elaborate deception campaign, Grant diverted Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s attention by ordering the Army of the Shenandoah to make a feint attack toward Lynchburg 140 miles away. The Army of the Potomac then redeployed by crossing the James River, a potentially fatal operation if the Confederates had attacked.

Smith argues that the U.S. needs to relearn how to retreat.

“Fighting withdrawals and delays will be sharpened arrows in the quiver of operational leaders campaigning in the early stages of a Pacific fight,” he wrote. “In those precarious moments, the joint force should prudently select positions from which it can absorb repeated blows while degrading enemy means.”



Smith envisions a widely distributed joint force that would “confound the PLA with a targeting dilemma if it decides to switch to the offensive.” Deception operations would be key: “Similar to Grant’s illusory movements to confuse Lee, feints, demonstrations, and advances within and outside of theater may freeze enemy actions to create time and space for movement of friendly forces.”

Adroit maneuvers, well-timed withdrawals and clever deception operations would exploit American strengths and Chinese weaknesses, Smith argued.

Nonetheless, most Americans would probably agree with Patton that the best defense is a good offense. Knowing how to retreat is important, but it’s more important to be able to absorb the enemy’s blows while inflicting your own, Eric Heginbotham, a researcher at MIT’s Center for International Studies, told Defense News.

In contrast to 1941, the situation in the Pacific today “has to do largely with long-range fires and our ability to survive adversary ones while conducting our own,” Heginbotham said. The problem is that the U.S. has failed to harden its Pacific airbases against Chinese missile barrages, or ensure that U.S. forces enjoy flexible and redundant logistics that can function in the face of Chinese attacks.

“This has a bit less to do with retrograde per se, than not putting our forces forward in highly vulnerable positions,” said Heginbotham. Dispersing for distributed operations can help mitigate those vulnerabilities.

Nonetheless, Heginbotham agrees the U.S. military needs to know how to retrograde operations. Ironically, despite America’s distaste for retreat, the U.S. can do this better than China.


“One advantage we do enjoy in the Pacific is maritime depth and the ability to engage where and when we want,” Heginbotham said. “In contrast, the Chinese fleet is up against a continent. It has nowhere to run or hide and is, in effect, in the shooting gallery from day one.”

God Bless and protect the United States of America and all its people!

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Rights of British Women in the 1600s


When girls married aged 12 and became the property of their husbands: Rare book lays out the 'rights' of women in 17th century Britain

An incredibly rare book that laid out women's rights 400 years ago has sold for thousands of pounds.

The landmark legal tome, titled The Lawes Resolutions Of Women's Rights, gives an extraordinary insight into the laws that shaped women's lives in 17th century Britain.

It covers subjects including marriage, divorce, property, polygamy, promises of marriage and rape.

But it outlines how women had little legal recourse available to them and were subject to the control of their husbands. 

The author makes clear the paradox that women were strictly bound by laws they could not make, interpret, or even officially hear explained. 

One chapter, titled 'The Baron May Beate His Wife', explains the then legal concept that while husbands should love their wives, the law allowed a man to physically discipline them in order to control them.

Another states that when a woman marries her identity is subsumed under her husband's.

One line states: 'Now Man and Woman are one* by this * a married woman perhaps may either doubt whether she be either none or no more than half a person.'

An incredibly rare book that was the first work to recognise women's rights almost 400 years ago has sold for thousands of pounds. The landmark legal tome is titled The Lawes Resolutions of Women's Rights and was published in 1632

An incredibly rare book that was the first work to recognise women's rights almost 400 years ago has sold for thousands of pounds. The landmark legal tome is titled The Lawes Resolutions of Women's Rights and was published in 1632

An illustration originally published in The Strand Magazine depicting a woman in the 17th century wearing what was known as a scold's bridle, which prevented the victim from speaking

An illustration originally published in The Strand Magazine depicting a woman in the 17th century wearing what was known as a scold's bridle, which prevented the victim from speaking

The book is attributed to Thomas Edgar and was printed in 1632.

It sought to make the subject more accessible to those outside the courts, such as educated 'gentlewomen.'

One chapter outlines how the law defined what a woman may or may not do at a certain age. 

They could consent to marriage at the age of 12 and inherit family wealth at 14.

Another states how unmarried women could be compelled to serve in households or in service roles, much like men could be pressed into labour.

Only a handful of copies of 'The Lawes Resolutions of Women's Rights' have been recorded worldwide, including one once owned by Thomas Jefferson that now resides in the Library of Congress.

This copy has a bookplate showing it was owned by William A Hunter, a distinguished Scottish jurist and Liberal politician.

It later passed by descent to artist George Sherwood Hunter, and was sold by his estate at Anderson and Garland in Newcastle.

The book gives an extraordinary insight into the laws that shaped women's lives in 17th century Britain

The book gives an extraordinary insight into the laws that shaped women's lives in 17th century Britain

This copy has a bookplate showing it was owned by William A Hunter, a distinguished Scottish jurist and Liberal politician

This copy has a bookplate showing it was owned by William A Hunter, a distinguished Scottish jurist and Liberal politician

It had an estimate of £2,000-3,000 but sold for a hammer price of £7,500, rising to £9,375 with fees added on

It had an estimate of £2,000-3,000 but sold for a hammer price of £7,500, rising to £9,375 with fees added on

It had an estimate of £2,000-3,000 but sold for a hammer price of £7,500, rising to £9,375 with fees added on.

It was bought by a UK buyer after fierce competition online, in the room and over the telephone.

John Anderson, head of the book department at Anderson and Garland, said: 'This is a truly remarkable survival and one of the most significant works in the early history of women's rights.

'It is thrilling to see it achieve such a strong price, reflecting its rarity, importance and continuing resonance.'

A spokesman for Anderson and Garland added: 'Throughout the book, women are portrayed as legally disadvantaged, but the work insists that they should nonetheless know their legal position.

'It was not an argument for equality but a manual of information, bringing statutes and case law into English prose.

'Its existence highlights the contradictions of early modern England: women were subject to laws they had no power to make, yet this book sought to grant them at least the knowledge of those laws.

'By modern standards, The Lawes Resolutions of Women's Rights contains views that are outdated, but its historical significance cannot be overstated.

'As the first book in English to detail women's rights, it was designed to be instructional and to clarify how women should be treated in matters of property, marriage, and inheritance.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15020619/Women-17th-century-Britain-rights-married.html


Thursday, 21 August 2025

Right of Self-Defense against Terrorist Attack Under International Law

Jihadi criminality and Israeli self-defense

International law is not a suicide pact. Even amid long-enduring world-system anarchy, such law offers a binding body of rules and procedures that permits a beleaguered state to express an "inherent right of self-defense." 




Responsibility for noncombatant harms in Gaza lies with Palestinian Arab terrorism. Though Hamas and other jihadi groups argue self-righteously about an Israeli “occupation,” no such argument has any basis in fact or law. To explain further, history will deserve evident pride of place.

The Palestine Liberation Organization, “brother” to Hamas, was created in 1964, three years before there were any “occupied territories.” Under Prime Minister Sharon, Israel “disengaged” from Gaza twenty years ago, but Palestinian Arab leaders have exploited that opportunity only to expand terror criminality. Regarding law-based reasons for dismissing current Palestinian Arab claims against Israel, insurgent resorts to violence have never really been directed to “self-determination” or “sovereignty.” In essence, these lascivious resorts have sought barbarism for its own sake and for expected benefits of “martyrdom.”

As with every state in world politics, Israel has an inherent right to survival and self-defense. While the harms inflicted by Israeli counter-terrorism are collateral to international law-enforcement, harms perpetrated on Israeli civilian hostages by Hamas and kindred jihadists are the product of intentional law violation. Moreover, in its law-enforcing war against jihadi terror - whether in Gaza, Lebanon, Judea/Samaria or anywhere else - Israel is acting on behalf of all nation-states.

For legitimate and illegitimate reasons, this assessment has been difficult to acknowledge by observers who see only the most evident consequences of Israeli counter-terrorism, Nonetheless, it is fully supported by authoritative legal standards and by variously correlative principles of “mutual aid.” By this unchallengeable principle of international law (one known formally as “jus cogens” or “compelling law”), each state is obligated to assist other states imperiled by terror-violence.

The “Islamic Resistance Movement” crimes of October 7, 2023 - murder, rape and hostage-taking - represent egregious (Nuremberg-level) violations of humanitarian international law. Under “peremptory” or “jus cogens” international rules, all states - not just Israel - have a codified and customary obligation to punish the terror-criminals. An integral part of Nuremberg Principles, this obligation stipulates “No crime without a punishment.” Prima facie, there would never even have been a Gaza War if Hamas had not launched its 2023 criminal assault against Israeli noncombatants.

What about charges of Israeli “disproportionality”? In law, rules of proportionality have nothing to do with inflicting symmetrical or equivalent harms. These rules derive from a fundamental principle that the belligerent rights of insurgent groups and nation-states have specific limitations. Accordingly, the declaration that Hamas and other jihadis are entitled to fight “by any means necessary” contravenes Hague Convention No. IV (1907), Annex to the Convention, Section II (Hostilities), Art. 22: "The right of belligerents to adopt means of injuring the enemy is not unlimited.” Unlike Israel, which expressly regrets and attempts to prevent all collateral damage of its self-defense war in Gaza, Hamas terror attacks are the product of unambiguously “criminal intent” or mens rea.

On Gaza, informed observers speak narrowly of “international” law, but the belligerents include not only states, but also terror-group armed forces. This means that even where an insurgency is presumptively lawful - that is, where it seemingly meets settled criteria of “just cause” - it must still satisfy all corollary expectations of “just means.” Even if Hamas and its sister terror groups would have a presumptive right to fight against an alleged Israeli “occupation,” that fight would still need to respect long-established limitations of “distinction,” “proportionality” and “military necessity.”

Firing rockets into Israeli civilian areas and intentionally placing military assets amid Palestinian Arab civilian populations represents a “perfidious” crime of war. Always. Ipso facto, any taking of civilian hostages, whatever the alleged cause, represents unpardonable criminality.

There is more. Perfidy represents a much greater wrongdoing than simple immorality or visceral cowardice. It expresses a starkly delineated and punishable crime. Among other places. perfidy is identified as a "grave breach" at Article 147 of Geneva Convention IV.

Deception can be lawful in armed conflict, but Hague Regulations disallow any placement of military assets or personnel in populated civilian areas. Related prohibitions of perfidy can be found at Protocol I of 1977, additional to the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949. These rules are also binding on the basis of customary international law, a principal jurisprudential source identified at Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

All combatants, including Palestinian Arab insurgents fighting for "self-determination," are bound by the law of war. This rudimentary requirement is found at Article 3, common to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949. It cannot be suspended or abrogated. Israel, too, is bound by the law of war, but Gaza War actions that kill and injure Palestinian Arab civilians are without mens rea. In law, all harms resulting from these actions become the responsibility of the perfidious belligerent.

Significantly, the alleged goal of Palestinian “self-determination” is founded on an intended crime - that is, the total “removal” of the Jewish State by attrition and annihilation. This genocidal orientation has its origins in the PLO's "Phased Plan" of June 9, 1974. In its 12th Session, the PLO's highest deliberative body, the Palestinian National Council, reiterated the terror-organization’s aim "to achieve their rights to return, and to self-determination on the whole of their homeland."

For Israel, the existential threat is no longer from a “Pan-Arab War.” At some still-ambiguous point, Hamas or kindred jihadists (plausibly with Iranian support) could launch assorted mega-terror attacks on Israel. Such potentially perfidious aggressions, unprecedented and in cooperation with allied non-Palestinian Arab jihadists, could include chemical, biological or radiological (radiation-dispersal) weapons.

Foreseeable perils could also include a non-nuclear terrorist attack on the Israeli reactor at Dimona. There exists a documented history of enemy assaults against this Israeli plutonium-production facility, both by a state (Iraq) in 1991 and by Hamas in 2014.

International law is not a suicide pact. Even amid long-enduring world-system anarchy, such law offers a binding body of rules and procedures that permits a beleaguered state to express an "inherent right of self-defense." But when Hamas celebrates the explosive "martyrdom" of jihadi-manipulated Palestinian Arab civilians and when Palestinian Zrab leaders seek "redemption" (i.e., presumed power over death) through the rape, torture and mass-murder of "Jews,” the wrongdoers have no supportable claims to immunity.

Under international law, terrorists are hostes humani generis or "common enemies of humankind." This category of criminals invites punishment wherever the wrongdoers can be found. Concerning arrest and prosecution, jurisdiction is “universal.”

In law, all law, truth is exculpatory. Regarding the Gaza War, legal truth ought not to be suppressed or disregarded. Israel is waging a necessary war against an openly exterminatory foe. In assessing this or any other transnational belligerency, it is the obligation of every state to “aid and enforce the law of nations.” More precisely, this means a law-based responsibility to support Israel’s counter-terrorism operations wherever they are conducted according to Humanitarian International Law. Though it may currently appear that these operations fall short of HIL expectations, it is antecedent jihadi “perfidy” that is ultimately responsible for Palestinian Arab civilian harms.

By deliberate co-location of military facilities with schools, homes and hospitals, Hamas and its kindred terror groups have imperiled civilian populations (both Arab and Israeli) and undermined the essential foundations of world legal order. Under authoritative international law, Israel is obliged not only to punish terror-crimes, but also to remind the global community of a critically important difference: A valid distinction exists between the results of international law violations (jihadi terror-crimes) and the outcomes of international law enforcement (Israeli military remedies).

Though it is reasonable to assume that not every Israeli military action in Gaza has been law-enforcing, it is also reasonable that Israel has been acting to punish terror crimes and to prevent future crimes. In the final analysis, it is willful acts of “criminal intent” by jihadi terrorists that create Gaza’s dissembling facts on the ground. It follows that the only promising way to reduce suffering of noncombatant Gazans is for these jihadi-manipulated populations to finally stand against Islamist terror-violence. Though this proposal may seem naive, it represents the only law-enforcing and humane path forward for both Israelis and Gazans.

Louis René Beres, Emeritus Professor of International Law at Purdue

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413516


Wednesday, 20 August 2025

Aussie Foreign Minister Penny Wong vs Israel


Penny Wong in furious clash with Israel after Israel retaliates after Australia's visa ban against Simcha Rothman

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has accused Benjamin Netanyahu of 'isolating Israel' after a diplomatic tit-for-tat intensified overnight. 

On Monday, it was revealed that Australia had revoked the visa of conservative Israeli politician Simcha Rothman.

In response, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said the visas of Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority had been revoked.

He also instructed the Israel Embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry into Israel. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says Israel's move is 'an unjustified reaction'

Aussie Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at next month's United Nations General Assembly.

Mr Sa'ar expressed his anger on social media as he announced the visa cancellations.

'This follows Australia's decisions to recognise a "Palestinian state" and against the backdrop of Australia's unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former Minister Ayelet Shaked and the Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rothman,' Mr Sa'ar posted on social media platform X.

'While anti-Semitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government is choosing to fuel it by false accusations, as if the visit of Israeli figures will disrupt public order and harm Australia's Muslim population. 

'It is shameful and unacceptable!'

Israeli politician Simcha Rothman was denied entry to visit Australia for a speaking tour

Israeli politician Simcha Rothman was denied entry to visit Australia for a speaking tour

Former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked (R) was also denied entry to Australia

Former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked (R) was also denied entry to Australia

Australia has also previously denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. 

Mr Rothman has denied children have been dying of hunger in Gaza.

He has also pushed for Israel to annex the West Bank and denied a Palestinian state should exist.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15012189/Penny-Wong-furious-clash-Israel-country-retaliates-Australias-visa-ban-Israeli-politician.html

The three G7 nations plan to call for the recognition of Palestine at a United Nations general assembly meeting in New York in September, pending conditions including that Hamas returns the remaining hostages. Israel's assault on Gaza has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians and close to 200 people, nearly half of them children, have died of starvation, according to the Gaza health ministry. With Reuters

Canada, the UK, and Australia plan to call for the recognition of Palestine at a United Nations general assembly meeting in New York in September

Senator Wong repeated calls for a ceasefire: 'A two-state solution is the only pathway to peace'

However, Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin said Israel taking over Gaza would mean the defeat of Hamas, the designated terrorist organisation whose actions triggered the latest conflict.

'I think that the worst thing that could happen is any form of civilian return to Gaza,' he told ABC radio.

'When you have a situation where Hamas refuses to lay down its arms, refuses to release the hostages, refuses the ceasefire that's been on the table since the end of May, it leaves no choice but to complete the job militarily.

'And that's clearly what Israeli prime minister Netanyahu is planning to do.'

Aussie Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously said recognition of Palestinian statehood is a matter of 'when, not if'. 

Mr Ryvchin said it appeared inevitable the Aussie federal government would recognise a Palestinian state in the near future.

'Australia has bound itself to the Canadians and the French and the British' Mr Ryvchin said.

The three G7 nations plan to call for the recognition of Palestine at a United Nations general assembly meeting in New York in September.

One protester expressed opposition to the continued existence of both Australia and Israel in Sydney

Aussie protester expressed opposition to the continued existence of both Australia and Israel 

A protester holds a poster of Iranian dictator Ali Khamenei known for restricting women's right and useing morality police to control behavior and dress

"Aussie" protester holds a poster of Iranian dictator Ali Khamenei

A protest sign equating Zionism with neo-Nazism sparked outrage during the Harbour Bridge march with critics saying the comparison is historically offensive and antisemitic

Aussie protester equates Zionism with Nazism during the Harbour Bridge march in Sydney, Australia

A protester holds a 'Gay Jews for Gaza' sign during the Harbour Bridge march, signaling solidarity from LGBTQ+ Jewish activists with Palestinians in Gaza

A protester holds a 'Gay Jews for Gaza' sign during the Harbour Bridge march

An estimated 90,000 protesters hit the streets of Sydney on Sunday

An estimated 90,000 protesters hit the streets of Sydney

Traffic was not allowed on the Harbour Bridge for hours during the protest

Traffic was not allowed on the Harbour Bridge for hours during the protest 

Dr Abbasi openly supported Iran's nuclear program and was one of the Iranian scientists killed by Israeli strikes in June

Dr Abbas was one of the Iranian scientists killed by Israeli strikes in June 

Police look on as a man marches across the bridge calling for Israeli Defence Force soldiers to die

Police look on as a man marches across the bridge calling for Israeli Defence Force soldiers to die

Protesters at the event

Protesters at the event

Protesters chanted and held homemade signs during the march in Sydney

Protesters held signs during the march in Sydney

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured, left) has warned the countries imposing sanctions that they must 'not forget who the real enemy is'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured, left) has warned the countries imposing sanctions on Israel that they must 'not forget who the real enemy is'

Right-wing Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich (pictured, left to right) have been banned from travelling to Australia in new sanctions

Conservative Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich (pictured, left to right) have been banned from travelling to Australia

Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) announced the penalties overnight, which have been supported by the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Norway

Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) announced the penalties, which have been supported by the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Norway

Anthony Albanese (right of centre) released a statement on Friday criticising Israel as the humanitarian situation in the ongoing conflict in Gaza increases

Penny Wong (left) as Anthony Albanese (right of centre) released a statement criticising Israel

Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash (pictured) said the Coalition acknowledged the need to provide aid to Gazans, but criticised Albanese for not criticising Hamas harshly enough

Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash (pictured) criticised Albanese for not criticising Hamas harshly enough

Foreign Minister Penny Wong indicated Australia would follow through with the arrest warrant if Netanyahu visited the country

Foreign Minister Penny Wong indicated Australia would arrest Netanyahu if he visited the country 

Activists have been protesting the war in Gaza since it began following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel

Activists have been protesting the war in Gaza since it began following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel 

Three ministers who have contributed to the unease in the Jewish community - the PM, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and most recently, Jim Chalmers, after his shocking suggestion Jewish concerns for their own welfare were 'not always unfounded'

Three ministers who have contributed to the unease in the Jewish community - the PM, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and most recently, Jim Chalmers, after his shocking suggestion Jewish concerns for their own welfare were 'not always unfounded' 

Just one of many of a spate of anti-Semitic attacks around Sydney's eastern suburbs over the past month is pictured above

Just one of many of a spate of anti-Semitic attacks around Sydney's eastern suburbs over the past month is pictured above 

The scene at Maroubra's preschool and early learning centre which was targeted by an arson attack last month

The scene at Maroubra's Jewish preschool and early learning centre which was targeted by an arson attack last month

Protesters yelled at Ms Wong and interrupted the address on multiple occasions. Pro-Palestine protesters are seen in Sydney

Pro-Palestine protesters are seen in Sydney

Attendees also labelled foreign affairs minister Penny Wong, 'Penny Wong', after she supported motions before the UN to provide Palestine a pathway to statehood

Aussies labelled foreign affairs minister Penny Wong, 'Penny Wrong', after she supported motions before the UN to provide Palestine a pathway to statehood

Protestors also rallied under the Australian flag and used icon Aussie logos such as the Vegemite logo calling anti-Semitism 'unAustralian' (pictured)

Protestors also rallied under the Australian flag and used icon Aussie logos such as the Vegemite logo calling anti-Semitism 'unAustralian' (pictured)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) has put the government's support behind a ceasefire in Gaza while committing to an extra $10million in humanitarian aid to the area

Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) has put the government's support behind a ceasefire in Gaza while sending an extra $10million in Aussie taxpayers money to the area. So far more than $70 million has been sent since Hamas terrorists attacked on October 7.

Some people held signs saying 'Shame on you Albo' (pictured) and accusing the PM of not supporting Israel

Signs saying 'Shame on you Albo' (pictured) and accusing the PM of not supporting Israel

Jewish leaders have been speaking out about increased anti-semitism in Australia

Jewish leaders have been speaking out about increased anti-semitism in Australia

A pro-Palestine rally descended into chaos in Caulfield in Melbourne on Friday night

A pro-Palestine rally descended into chaos in Melbourne

Hawthorn Road was closed for hours as the protest descended into chaos

The protest descended into chaos

At 7.30pm a synagogue was forced to evacuate when protesters spilled onto a park across the street from it

At 7.30pm a synagogue was forced to evacuate

Protesters are seen in Caulfield on Friday evening

Protester

Protesters were split onto either side of the street by police

Protester

A white Ford Ranger with the NSW number plate 'OCT7TH' was seen on Sydney roads, with a picture of it widely shared on social media. The plates have now been recalled

A white Ford Ranger with the NSW number plate 'OCT7TH' was seen on Sydney roads, with a picture of it widely shared on social media. The disrespectful plates have now been recalled

There were scenes of chaos as the demonstration was hijacked by radical Muslims - some wearing black masks - beneath the steps of the Opera House (pictured)

There were scenes of chaos as a demonstration was hijacked by radical Muslims shouting "Gas the Jews" beneath the steps of the Opera House (pictured)

Penny Wong, veteran Labor senator and Australia's Foreign Minister, has married her long-time partner Sophie Allouache in her home state of South Australia

Penny Wong, veteran Labor senator and Australia's Foreign Minister, has married her long-time partner Sophie Allouache in her home state of South Australia

Ms Wong, 55, has been in a relationship with Ms Allouache, a public servant, since 2006, and the happy couple tied the knot at Bird in Hand Winery in the Adelaide Hills on Saturday

Ms Wong, 55, has been in a relationship with Ms Allouache, a public servant, since 2006, and the happy couple tied the knot at Bird in Hand Winery in the Adelaide Hills

Penny Wong (right) is pictured with partner Sophie Allouache and their baby daughter Alexandra in Adelaide in 2011

 Penny Wong (right) is pictured with partner Sophie Allouache and their baby daughter Alexandra in Adelaide in 2011

Veteran Labor Senator Penny Wong is pictured with her wife Sophie Allouache

Veteran Labor Senator Penny Wong is pictured with her wife Sophie Allouache

The Foreign Affairs Minister shared a picture of the blue, purple and white striped transgender flag on Sunday for International Transgender Day of Visibility (pictured)

The Foreign Affairs Minister shared a picture of the blue, purple and white striped transgender flag for International Transgender Day of Visibility (pictured)