From the AJN:

Court case over ‘antisemitic’ text messages
AJN STAFF

A QUEENSLAND resident has appeared in court charged with sending a series of antisemitic text messages to members of Brisbane’s Jewish community.

Allan Jeffrey McConnell pleaded “not guilty� to charges of stalking and using a telecommunications device to harass or threaten in Brisbane Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

McConnell, 59, allegedly sent three antisemitic SMS messages to the mobile phone of Zel Woolf, but they were addressed to her son, Mark.

It is believed to be the first time in Australia, if not the world, that an individual has been charged with committing an antisemitic offence using SMS technology. The court did not release the exact content of the messages, but they are believed to be of a threatening nature.

Jeremy Jones, director of international and community affairs for the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, said regardless of its outcome, the case was historic. “The newest technology is being used in the service of the oldest of hatreds,� said Jones, who is currently attending the Third International Symposium on Hate on the Internet in Toronto, Canada.

“Racist harassment is a serious matter and the fact that a new means of transmission is allegedly being used to this end should not surprise, but must concern us.�

Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president David Paratz praised the police for taking swift action in the matter.

McConnell is due to reappear in court on November 7.