The Impact of Antisemitism on a Community
The daughter of a victim from the Bondi Beach terror attack has expressed concerns that antisemitism has become more visible in the aftermath of the incident, as revealed during a royal commission hearing. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion was formed approximately a month after the tragic event in Sydney, where 15 individuals lost their lives and many others were injured during a Hannukah celebration on December 14.
Sheina Gutnick, the daughter of Reuven Morrison, who was one of the victims, shared her experiences with the commission. Her family originally fled Ukraine under the Soviet Union. She described how antisemitism has altered her perception of moving through the world. Emotionally, she wants to instill pride in her children’s Jewish heritage while also ensuring they have a clear awareness of the challenges they may face.
Gutnick highlighted a shift she has noticed since the Bondi incident, which she found deeply alarming for all community members. She mentioned encountering numerous online comments, including messages suggesting she “should’ve been killed” and claims that Jews had “staged” the attack for attention or sympathy. She emphasized the need for greater education around antisemitism, Jewish identity, and the real-world consequences of hatred.
Rising Hostility and the Role of the Royal Commission
During the first day of hearings, the royal commission focused on the increasing hostility towards the Jewish community. Zelie Heger SC, a counsel assisting the commissioner, pointed out that the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths by Hamas, marked a significant turning point for antisemitism. This period saw an increase in doxxing, graffiti, heckling, and synagogues being targeted.
Heger noted that there have been many new stories from Jewish Australians who have experienced various forms of antisemitism in their daily lives. She stated that hatred is now louder and more emboldened than ever. Heger hopes the royal commission will help the public understand and empathize with the community, viewing this as a crucial step in addressing the issue of antisemitism.
Former high court judge Virginia Bell SC, who is serving as a royal commissioner, delivered her opening remarks. She mentioned that the sharp spike in antisemitism witnessed in Australia has been mirrored in other Western countries and is clearly linked to events in the Middle East. Commissioner Bell also noted that images and sentiments of antisemitism can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
Focus on Defining and Addressing Antisemitism
The initial phase of public hearings will focus on defining antisemitism, its prevalence, and its impact on the Jewish community. Richard Lancaster SC, counsel assisting, explained that the royal commission aims to understand how antisemitism manifests in Australia and the current character of antisemitism in the country.
Twelve witnesses, including Holocaust survivor Peter Halasz, are expected to share their lived experiences of antisemitism. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, is also scheduled to give evidence on the first day of hearings. Some individuals will provide testimony under pseudonyms due to safety and privacy concerns.
The commission has received over 7,400 submissions and is anticipated to receive more throughout its duration. Two additional hearing blocks are planned, with a final report expected a year after the terror attack. These sessions will explore the key drivers of antisemitism, its prevalence in institutions and industries, and the circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach attack. The first block is expected to conclude by next Friday.
