The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion enters day six of its initial hearings, focusing on defining antisemitism, its effects on Jewish Australians, and measuring its presence in institutions. Proceedings stream live starting at 10 a.m.
Today’s Key Witnesses
Nine witnesses scheduled to provide evidence include Tahli Blicblau, chief executive of The Dor Foundation. Launched last year, the organization targets antisemitism on university campuses and online platforms.
Julie Nathan, Research Director at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, also testifies. Individuals sharing personal experiences comprise Joshua Moshe, Rabbi Daniel Rabin, Rabbi Menachem Dadon, and three anonymous witnesses. Rock musician Deborah Conway rounds out the lineup.
Recent Testimonies Highlight Rising Concerns
On Friday, Benjamin F, a gay convert to Judaism, described feeling unsafe during a Mardi Gras march. Canberra student Mia Kline recounted leaving her share house after housemates confronted her about Zionism.
The prior day featured accounts from a non-Jewish lawyer insulted as a “sneaky Jew” and “Jewish rat” at a Sydney pub. A crisis counseling hotline volunteer expressed anxiety over surging antisemitic calls following the October 7 attack.
