Australian Royal Commission condemns online harassment of antisemitism witnesses

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Australia’s highest public inquiry, was created after two gunmen allegedly inspired by the Islamic State killed 15 people at a Sydney Hanukkah celebration in December. Public hearings began on May 4, and the commission’s head, former High Court judge Virginia Bell, said Jewish witnesses who testified have faced a dramatic increase in online hate messages.

Bell noted that the commission is recording the offensive posts and, in at least one case, has referred the harassment to police. She added, “The commission is determined to investigate antisemitism in Australia without fear or intimidation.” During the first week of hearings a 68‑year‑old man was charged for wearing a shirt bearing a prohibited Nazi symbol outside the commission’s Sydney venue, prompting a statement that the commission was “appalled” by the display. Safety protocols have been put in place around the building for witnesses.

The inquiry aims to understand and assess the lived experience of antisemitism in Australian institutions and society while condemning the bigotry directed at the community.