Hearing Experiences of Antisemitism Across Australia
Jewish Australians will testify at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, which opens on 4th May 2026, following a terrorist attack that shook the nation. The Commission aims to examine the climate of antisemitism affecting communities nationwide.
The Commission’s first hearing block will feature testimonies from various Jewish Australians, sharing personal experiences of discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public places. Many witnesses will speak publicly for the first time, highlighting the courage involved in sharing their stories.
Peter Wertheim AM, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, stated, “This Commission is the most significant national examination of antisemitism in Australia’s history.”
Impact on Daily Life
Testimonies will cover the impact of antisemitism on daily life, including university students facing hostility on campuses and parents advising children not to identify as Jewish at school. Business owners will discuss declining customer numbers and safety concerns among staff.
Michele Goldman, CEO of The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, urged the community to engage with the Commission, stating, “The witnesses appearing over the coming fortnight reflect the breadth of our community, its lay leaders, rabbis, educators, and people who have simply tried to get on with their lives.”
The Commission will also hear from community leaders about the protective measures necessary for synagogues and Jewish centres, such as armed guards, due to ongoing threats. This underscores the broader need for societal change to ensure safety and cohesion.
University campuses have become hostile environments for Jewish students. Meanwhile, some parents have advised their children to hide their Jewish identity at school.
Small business owners will testify about the loss of customers and the discomfort felt by employees. Hostile environments in workplaces have made it challenging for Jewish Australians to be open about their identity.
Leaders, staff, and volunteers of Jewish community organisations have supported families through trauma. They will discuss the strain of dealing with sustained abuse while managing their own experiences.
Entering synagogues and community centers often involves passing armed guards. These measures highlight the real and ongoing threats faced by places where Jewish Australians gather.
Hearings will continue over the coming fortnight, with further testimonies expected to provide a clearer picture of the challenges faced by Jewish Australians.
Last updated: 4 May 2026, 12:12 pm
