Royal Commission Unveils Alarming Antisemitism Trends in Australia
‘Terrifying’: political candidate violently abused and schoolboy thrown into bin, antisemitism royal commission hears
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
A royal commission in Sydney has revealed a disturbing rise in antisemitic abuse targeting Jewish political candidates and students in Australia. Joshua Kirsh, an independent candidate for the New South Wales upper house, detailed threats and online harassment, while a father recounted his son's bullying at school. The commission follows the tragic Bondi massacre in December 2022.
- 01Joshua Kirsh faced severe antisemitic abuse during his political campaign in New South Wales.
- 02A father reported ongoing bullying of his son at school, including physical violence and slurs.
- 03The commission was established in response to the Bondi massacre, highlighting rising antisemitism.
- 04Witnesses testified that Jews in Australia are unfairly blamed for Israeli actions.
- 05An incident outside the commission involved a man wearing an antisemitic T-shirt, leading to his arrest.
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During the third day of hearings of the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion in Sydney, Joshua Kirsh, an independent candidate for the New South Wales upper house, shared his experiences of severe antisemitic abuse on social media, including threats and derogatory comments. He emphasized that such hostility deters Jewish Australians from engaging in public life, despite their qualifications. Additionally, a father known as AAT recounted the bullying his 13-year-old son faced at school, including being called derogatory names and subjected to physical violence. He criticized the school's lack of support and the trivialization of the bullying by officials. The commission was initiated following the Bondi massacre in December 2022, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukah event. The hearings have highlighted a broader trend of antisemitism in Australia, with witnesses noting that Jews are often unjustly held accountable for the actions of the Israeli government. Outside the commission, a man wearing an antisemitic T-shirt was arrested, further underscoring the ongoing issues of hate and discrimination.
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The testimonies reveal a troubling environment for Jewish Australians, affecting their willingness to engage in public life and potentially leading to increased isolation within the community.
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