As the war between Israel and Hamas moves toward a potential ceasefire, one might expect calls for calm and relief at the prospect of a reprieve for Palestinians in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages held captive for over 15 months. However, instead of fostering peace, we see calls for escalated hostility and violent rhetoric from segments of the so-called social justice movement. This trend is emblematic of a toxic subculture of hardline communists and Marxists who co-opt Fanonian rhetoric to rationalise acts of terrorism as legitimate resistance against what they perceive as contemporary oppression. Such rhetoric is rooted in anger, hatred, and violence – qualities that do the exact opposite of achieving peace. It begs the question; do social justice activists actually want peace?

One figure in the Australian social justice scene openly called for the ‘end of Israel’, apparently forgetting that Israel gives shelter to a pluralistic society of Jews, Christians, Arabs, Druze, Bedouin, Eritreans, Russians, and more. What happens to them after the ‘end of Israel’ is achieved?

Following the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire, another social media user urged their followers to ‘never stop fighting’ against ‘white supremacy, oppression, and genocide’. Also throwing their weight behind the dissolution of Israel, they are one of many social commentators who display blatant hypocrisy. They state their opposition to violence and oppression and yet advocate for a future that would leave the millions in Israel subjected to displacement, chaos, and destruction.

There is usually little, if any, acknowledgment of Hamas’ role in the war or the brutal massacre it committed on October 7, 2023. This further highlights the selective and divisive nature of social justice activism.

It is hard to see a way forward when individuals suspected of murder are framed as actors in a heroic struggle against ‘systemic power structures’.

Declaring that there can be no victory until Israel is defeated, or attaching labels such as ‘fascist cancer’ to the country of Israel, vilifies an entire nation and normalises its desperate situation under the guise of social justice.

Unfortunately, with the speed and reach of social media combined with the academic and government-funded grants such activists receive, radical views are often amplified contributing to a divisive culture that pits groups against each other.

There is a real danger here. On many occasions, we have seen Jewish individuals doxed at the same time calls for violence are shouted in the streets. There are even fresh calls for affray on Australia Day and those who would quite like to see Australian monuments and historic sites desecrated.

Some of those speaking in favour of this anti-Australian and anti-Israel position go beyond social justice and hold views that align with internationally recognised terrorist organisations.

In modern psychology, anger, hatred, and violence are considered basic human instincts that need to be regulated through self-control, morality, and maturity (see Sigmund Freud or Jonathan Haidt). This is especially true in times of political or social conflict, where individuals must ask themselves – how do we channel our emotions? Are we mature enough to act thoughtfully, to guard our tongues, and to speak in ways that promote peace rather than incite violence? Yet, this quality is sorely lacking amongst many so-called social justice activists. Rather than fostering genuine understanding and peace, they exploit any available platform to amplify outrage, anger, and violence over the constructive dialogue necessary for meaningful progress.

Both Antisemitism and Islamophobia are alarmingly on the rise in Australia. According to recent data, reports of antisemitic incidents have surged with one in five Australians holding antisemitic views. In addition, Islamophobic attacks are also escalating with increasing hate crimes targeting Muslims. This underscores the harmful impact of divisive rhetoric propagated by social justice activists, who, instead of addressing these hate crimes, continue to stoke further division. This brand of activism does nothing to combat real hate but only contributes to an environment of violence and intolerance – the exact opposite of peace.

Hava Mendelle, Co-founder and Director, Queensland Jewish Collective @qldjewish