A recent wave of antisemitism in Australia has been widespread, targeting Jewish individuals regardless of their stance on Israel, a royal commission has heard.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is conducting hearings in Melbourne, gathering testimony from religious leaders, police, and security groups about safety concerns amid rising antisemitic incidents.

Senior rabbi Allison Conyer, chair of the Union for Progressive Judaism, told the inquiry that antisemitism had increased "almost exponentially" following Hamas's terror attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza. She highlighted that progressive Jewish movements, which embrace LGBT members, female rabbis, and interfaith families, have also faced abusive phone calls, bomb threats, and lockdown drills.

Rabbi Conyer, serving at Australia's first progressive synagogue in St Kilda, shared that congregants reported being vilified irrespective of their background or views on the conflict. She said the charged atmosphere left many Jewish Australians feeling unable to openly express grief for Israelis killed or taken hostage in the October 7 attack.

Additionally, Mr Berger, a Holocaust survivor descendant and father of three, recounted how his Sydney home was vandalized with a Nazi swastika in December 2024. Following the incident, he installed security cameras and removed his address from public records due to safety concerns.

The commission continues to examine the impact of antisemitism on the Jewish community and the adequacy of protective measures.

Sources

ABC Australia News - Jesse Thompson