<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>338768</docID> <postdate>2025-02-21 10:16:18</postdate> <headline>Anti-Semitic attacks ‘number one priority’ for ASIO</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-332456" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20220209001621506660-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>"Our number one priority now is investigating anti-Semitic acts," ASIO boss Mike Burgess says. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Tess Ikonomou</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Australia's spy chief says anti-Semitic attacks are the intelligence agency's "number one priority" for threats to life.</strong></p> <p>Speaking after handing down his annual threat assessment earlier this week, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism were wrong, but the agency was investigating the latter more.</p> <p>"It's clear that actually right now, we are seeing way more anti-Semitism in terms of significant incidents," he told ABC's Radio National on Friday.</p> <p>"On the threat to life, our number one priority now is investigating anti-Semitic acts in this country."</p> <p>The nation has experienced escalating attacks since December, when a Melbourne synagogue was firebombed, homes and cars vandalised and Jewish cultural institutions targeted.</p> <p>Mr Burgess said if behaviours were left unchecked, they became reinforced and gave others permission to do the same, if not more.</p> <p>"We've seen attacks on Jewish-Australians move from intimidation and general harassment through to direct targeting of people, places of worship and communities. It defies logic. It's unacceptable," he said.</p> <p>"We've got to have a hard response so people know those behaviours, which don't represent the country, are unacceptable in our country and will not be tolerated."</p> <p>The Albanese government has faced increasing criticism over its handling of anti-Semitism.</p> <p>Mr Burgess urged restraint when discussing the attacks and broader issue, vowing police would get to the bottom of the incidents.</p> <p>"The police are doing a fantastic job, and personally – not that what I want matters here – but I wish people would just let the police do their job and stop commentating from the sides," he said.</p> </body>