EDITORIAL: Hearings have proved why anti-Semitism probe is needed
EDITORIAL: Royal commissioner Virginia Bell must be given every resource and opportunity to provide a report which leaves no stone unturned.
The hearings of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion continue to reveal evidence that is both distressing and alarming.
Royal commissioner Virginia Bell has heard telling insights into the fear-inducing harassment and intimidation the Jewish community was subjected to and regularly warned us about before the Bondi massacre — and about how they continue to be targeted even as the probe unfolds.
The royal commission has heard evidence from experts, community leaders, and perhaps most tellingly, from witnesses with lived experience of anti-Semitism.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The anti-Semitism they exposed was reflected immediately in more hate directed their way.
So much so that Ms Bell felt it necessary to make a statement to the commission in May about what was occurring.
“We have received reports from a number of witnesses concerning a dramatic increase in online hate messages after they have given evidence,” Ms Bell said.
“Quite what this undiluted level of hatred and bigotry directed towards members of the Jewish community is thought to benefit by those who post these remarks is lost on me.
“But the commission has as one of its principal objects understanding and assessing the lived experience of anti-Semitism by members of the Jewish community and it is being informed by conduct of this character.”
As the hearings went on more graphic evidence was given.
It was revealed that the Lowy family — the founders of the Westfield shopping centre group — had been the subject of some 15,000 anti-Jewish abusive messages on social media over the past year.
The inquiry was shown an Instagram meme referring to Israelia — a combination of the words Australia and Israel — that argued a small group of Jews, including family patriarch Frank Lowy, introduced multiculturalism and ended the White Australia policy.
Comments in response to the meme included: “Execute those old bastards”, “They ate our children” and “Anyone know their addresses?”
Labor’s former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus made a submission detailing his experiences of being targeted and his Melbourne office vandalised over the war in Gaza.
“The repeated anti-Semitism directed at me since 2023 on social media, in public, and at my electorate office in the form of hostile accusations, moral condemnation, and anti-Semitic abuse has been confronting,” his submission said.
“A man crossing La Trobe Street looked at me as he approached. I did not know him, but I cheerfully said, ‘Good morning’. He responded with ‘You’re a genocidal Zionist. You should be ashamed of yourself’,” Mr Dreyfus said, recounting an incident in 2024.
Witnesses gave evidence of how anti-Jewish hatred had became normalised.
Of how they no longer recognised the country they once knew, that is was no longer the safe haven many had believed it was.
And the submissions have continued to pour in. Last week, the commission advised it had received more than 20,000 submissions between February 24 and June 14. It faces a massive task. Its work is vital. Ms Bell must be given every resource and opportunity to provide a report which leaves no stone unturned.
