In the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel, the Australian National University (ANU) has become a microcosm of the rising antisemitism that Jewish students and staff are facing on campuses across the country. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is currently examining the experiences of Jewish Australians at universities, and the evidence presented so far paints a stark picture of a community living in fear and under constant threat. The personal accounts of witnesses like Liat and ACJ are not only harrowing but also deeply concerning for the future of Jewish-Australian students and the broader social fabric of the nation.
One of the most striking aspects of the testimony is the sense of isolation and fear that Jewish students feel on campus. Liat, for instance, describes a 'low level hum of antisemitism' that gradually escalated into more overt acts of hostility. From being told she wasn't welcome at the Middle Eastern student club to being called a 'baby killer' and facing Nazi gestures and salutes, Liat's experience is a chilling reminder of the everyday challenges Jewish students face. The fact that she felt unable to push back against the 'unsavoury jokes' highlights the power dynamics at play and the sense of helplessness that many Jewish students must feel.
The impact of these experiences is profound. Liat's decision to hide her Jewish identity and the constant micro-calculations she makes to avoid confrontation are not just personal struggles but also a reflection of the broader societal issues at play. The saturation of Palestinian symbols and slogans like 'intifada revolution' and 'from the river to the sea Palestine will be free' has created an environment where antisemitism can thrive, even if it is not explicitly stated. This raises a deeper question about the role of universities in fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all students.
The commission also heard from ACJ, a former UNSW staff member, who described the 'lacklustre' response to Nazi salutes by the university. His experience highlights the importance of taking such incidents seriously and the potential consequences of failing to do so. The fact that ACJ felt compelled to report the incident himself and then faced retaliation in the form of lost teaching shifts and strained relationships underscores the need for universities to take a more proactive approach to addressing antisemitism.
In my opinion, the evidence presented to the commission is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Jewish Australians in the current climate. The rise of antisemitism on campuses is not just a problem for the Jewish community but also for the broader society. It raises important questions about the role of education in promoting tolerance and understanding, and the responsibility of universities to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The personal accounts of Liat and ACJ are a call to action, urging universities and society as a whole to confront the rising tide of antisemitism and work towards a more harmonious and just future for all.
