Banned From Australia: When Jewish Innovation Becomes a “Threat”

Tony Burke’s visa ban on Hillel Fuld isn’t about safety—it’s about silencing.

At one point, Tony Burke reportedly told Michael Danby, then the federal MP for Melbourne Ports (now McNamara), not to invite him to any Jewish or Israeli events—because he simply wouldn’t attend. Today, Burke seems far more comfortable attending Islamic community events, reflecting the demographics of his electorate. There’s nothing wrong with that on its own. But the contrast becomes deeply troubling when you consider what he actively distances himself from.

If Tony Burke had ever attended a Jewish event, he might have realized that Jews don’t preach hate. They don’t call for violence. Contrast that with the sermon given by Abu Ousayd at the Al-Madina Dawah Centre in Western Sydney, where he declared: “The trees will speak, the stones will speak, and they will say, ‘Oh Muslim, oh believer, there is a Jew behind me—come and kill him.’” Despite this hate-filled incitement, there were no legal consequences. No charges under the Racial Discrimination Act of 1975. No condemnation. Just silence.

Meanwhile, the Magen David Adom (Israel’s version of the Red Cross) annual appeal was held in Melbourne. Hillel Fuld was meant to be the keynote speaker—a tech entrepreneur, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for Israel. His message was not political or divisive. It was about enterprise, resilience, and building a better future. Fuld has helped hundreds of startups grow from idea to revenue and is a powerful voice for innovation and unity. Since the atrocities of October 7, he has also become a prominent advocate for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.

Yet Tony Burke—now serving as Home Affairs Minister—revoked Fuld’s visa under section 128 of the Migration Act, citing his alleged “Islamophobic rhetoric” as a risk to the “health, safety or good order” of Australians. The irony couldn’t be clearer. The same minister who once refused to attend Jewish events is now wielding the power of the state to exclude Jewish voices under the guise of national security.

At the Magen David Adom event, attendees heard from an Israeli paramedic who recounted the horror of October 7—losing both a cousin and a friend in the Hamas attacks—and the life-saving efforts of over 30,000 volunteers that day. He also spoke about raising funds for a new emergency response center in southern Israel.

Then Hillel Fuld addressed the audience via Zoom. What unfolded was not hate, nor division—but hope, dignity, and inspiration. Fuld highlighted Israel’s unparalleled role as a global tech powerhouse. He spoke about the deep international investment in Israeli innovation, the country’s remarkable startup ecosystem, and its leadership in fields ranging from cybersecurity to medical research.

Global giants such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Intel, Meta (Facebook), IBM, Nvidia, Oracle, and Samsung have established major R&D hubs in Israel. Apple’s chip design for iPhones was developed in Herzliya, a city named after Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism. Intel’s Israeli engineers have pioneered some of the world’s most advanced microprocessors. Google’s top security tools and many of its AI advances have been built in Israel. These companies are in Israel not out of sentiment—but because the country delivers innovation that shapes the world. Herzl’s famous moto is fitting “If you dream it, make it happen or forever it will remain a dream”. Israelis don’t just dream it, they innovate!

Fuld went on to discuss Israeli unicorns—tech startups valued at over $1 billion—and noted that Israeli firms listed on the Nasdaq now have a combined valuation of over $300 billion. He also spoke about Israeli-led advancements in cancer treatment, water technology transforming lives in Africa, and medical breakthroughs that are saving lives globally.

Importantly, he reminded the audience of the values that underpin all this progress. Jewish unity. Purpose. Faith. When Jews face adversity, they don’t crumble—they unite. While Israel was divided over judicial reform before October 7, the Hamas attack served only to strengthen the nation’s resolve. “The more they come after us,” he said, “the stronger and more united we become.”

That spirit is grounded in history. Jews have endured countless attempts to erase them—from Haman to Pharaoh, from the Romans to the Nazis. All those empires are gone. Israel remains. Jewish life remains. And it continues to enrich the world.

Fuld concluded with a powerful message of faith and perseverance: “G-d is with us. He works in mysterious ways. But we will dance again.”

So when Tony Burke claims that someone like Hillel Fuld poses a threat to Australia’s safety, we must ask: What exactly is the threat? A Jewish entrepreneur sharing stories of innovation, philanthropy, and resilience? A people coming together in unity and hope?

Let’s be clear: denying entry to a Jewish speaker to appease extremist voices is not a defence of national security—it is an erosion of the values Australia once proudly stood for. It sets a dangerous precedent: that Jewish advocacy, innovation, or pride is somehow a risk.

But to Tony Burke, Penny Wong, Anthony Albanese, and many of their so-called “friends,” let this be clear:
After the pro-Hamas demonstration at the Sydney Opera House on October 9, 2023, you claimed that protesters did not chant “Gas the Jews,” but rather, “Where are the Jews?”

Well, here we are.

You will not silence us.
You will not defeat us.
You will only make us stronger.

We will remain united.
We will continue to innovate.
And we will continue to contribute to the world.

And if history remembers any of you, it will be not as guardians of peace—but as people who turned their backs on a community whose light has never stopped shining.