Tony Burke bans Israeli politician from Australia as senior MP Simcha Rothman slapped with three-year ban
Current Israeli politician, Simcha Rothman, who is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling Coalition, has been banned for three years from visiting Australia.
Rothman, who holds the senior position of Chair of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, applied for a visa which was approved about two weeks ago.
He was set to speak at synagogues, in Jewish schools and hold meetings with the Jewish Community.
The Australian Jewish Association's chief executive, Robert Gregory, said this now a pattern of behaviour where guests invited by Jewish organisations are having their visas cancelled at late notice.
'The purpose of his tour was to show solidarity with the Australian Jewish community that has been experiencing a wave of antisemitism,' he said.
'We'd organised visit to see the burnt synagogue of Addis in Melbourne.
'People in Israel are very worried about the situation for Jews in Australia, that's why he wanted to come.'
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's office was contacted for comment.
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