Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

An academic at UNSW was subjected to Nazi salutes by students in a business class, as reported by the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion. The commission is examining the lived experiences of Jewish students and academics, including universities' responses to combat hate.

The Jewish Council of Australia (JCA) attributes rising antisemitism in Australia to far-right extremism and the conflation of Jewish identity with Israel, as stated in their submission to the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. The group advocates for addressing the 'often-overlooked' far-right threat and acknowledging diverse Jewish community perspectives instead of treating Jews collectively as representatives of Israel.

Police officers were outgunned during the Bondi beach massacre on 14 December, using 9mm Glock pistols against attackers armed with rifles. NSW police deputy commissioner David Hudson testified before the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion, stating officers faced significant risks due to the lack of long-arm rifles.

Jewish Australians have reported increased online harassment and intimidation after testifying at the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. Commissioner Virginia Bell noted a 'dramatic increase in online hate messages' and confirmed at least one case was referred to the Australian federal police.

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network was refused leave to appear at the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion, despite making detailed submissions on the issues. The network claims that Palestinian voices are being excluded from the debate on social cohesion. The refusal has sparked concerns about the representation of Palestinian perspectives in the discussion.

Jewish musicians faced abuse and boycotting due to their Zionist beliefs, a royal commission hearing was told. Deborah Conway described anti-Zionism as a 'genocidal impulse'. The hearing heard from Jewish creatives and academics who were targeted with Nazi comparisons.

A royal commission hearing on antisemitism and social cohesion heard evidence of violent abuse against a Jewish political candidate, Joshua Kirsh, whose social media advertisements were bombarded with antisemitic tropes and threats. The abuse is part of a broader trend designed to intimidate Jewish Australians from public life. The commission also heard about a schoolboy being thrown into a bin.

Sheina Gutnick's father, Reuven Morrison, was killed at Bondi beach while defending his people against alleged terrorists. Sheina is the first witness at the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. The incident has left complicated feelings for Sheina regarding Bondi beach.

The 155-page interim report on the Bondi terror massacre highlights significant gaps in public knowledge, with over a third of its recommendations classified. The Albanese government plans to implement all recommendations despite limited disclosure.