Key Takeaways
- Holocaust survivor Peter Halasz OAM testified that Jews in Australia now feel targeted and fears wearing his Star of David in public.
- Descendants of victims, such as Sheina Gutnick, report a surge in online hate, threats, and a need for greater education about antisemitism.
- Witnesses described overt acts of hostility—Heil Hitler salutes in classrooms, rock‑throwing near synagogues, and graffiti calling Jews “terrorists” or “Jew dogs.”
- The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has logged over 7,400 submissions and will examine the drivers, prevalence, and institutional responses to antisemitism, with a final report due one year after the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Holocaust Survivor’s Testimony
Peter Halasz OAM, a Holocaust survivor who escaped Soviet‑era persecution and built a life in Sydney, told the Royal Commission that the last time he saw his mother she emerged from hiding in Hungary to wish his grandfather a happy birthday, only to be captured and shot by Nazis in 1944. He credited his own survival to the extraordinary courage of those who sheltered him as a child. Halasz emphasized that the hatred he witnessed then is not a distant echo but a present‑day reality that alarms him deeply.
Personal Fear and Historical Parallels
Halasz said he never imagined he would again be afraid to wear his Star of David in public. “Jews in Australia have become targets,” he stated, noting that the resurgence of antisemitism brings back memories of living alongside hatred for 17 years after the war. He urged the commission and the broader public to learn what is happening, insisting that Jewish Australians ask only for the right to live without fear.
Impact on Second Generation
Sheina Gutnick, daughter of Bondi Beach terror victim Reuven Morrison, described how antisemitism has altered the way she moves through the world. While she wants to instill pride in her children’s Jewish heritage, she also feels compelled to teach them vigilance. Gutnick recounted seeing hundreds of hostile online comments, including accusations that she “should’ve been killed” and claims that Jews staged the attack for sympathy or attention. She called for stronger education on antisemitism, Jewish identity, and the real‑world consequences of hatred.
Online Harassment and Threats
Gutnick’s testimony highlighted a pervasive wave of digital abuse directed at Jewish individuals and communities. The comments she encountered ranged from explicit threats to conspiracy‑laden accusations that minimized the Bondi atrocity. This online hostility, she argued, fuels real‑world intimidation and underscores the need for proactive counter‑measures, including school curricula and public awareness campaigns.
Educational Calls for Change
Both Halasz and Gutnick stressed education as a vital tool to curb rising antisemitism. They argued that understanding the historical roots of hatred—from medieval pogroms to modern extremist rhetoric—can help dismantle prejudice. Gutnick specifically urged authorities to integrate lessons about Jewish identity and the dangers of hate speech into mainstream education, believing that informed youth are less likely to perpetuate bias.
Incidents in Schools and Public Spaces
Witness AAL, who migrated from South Africa in the 1980s, recounted how a substitute teacher at his granddaughter’s secular school performed several Heil Hitler salutes during a book lecture unrelated to Israel or Palestine. The teacher had repeated the gesture the previous year without facing repercussions. AAL said his granddaughter left the school, lost friends, and endured bullying, prompting him to question whether Australia remains the safe haven he once believed it to be.
Targeting of Private Homes
Alex Ryvchin, former leader of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described how his former home was vandalized in January 2025—an attack he noted was the first time a private residence had been singled out for antisemitic vandalism. Ryvchin had previously received death threats and seen his children’s images posted online. He warned that extremists motivated by hatred will push boundaries as far as society allows, yet he still expressed belief in Australia’s potential to restore its former inclusiveness.
Impact on Educational Institutions
Stefanie Schwartz, president of the Mount Sinai College board, spoke about the lingering psychological effects of the Bondi Beach attack on her husband and five‑year‑old child, who were present at the Chanukah by the Sea event. Both the Orthodox Jewish school and a neighboring property were later graffitied with slogans such as “Jew dogs” and “Jews are terrorists.” Schwartz reported a growing sense of fear and anxiety within the school community, reluctance among prospective families to enroll, and difficulty recruiting teachers. She urged that all Australian children feel safe expressing their identities.
Institutional Responses and Commission Findings
Counsel assisting Zelie Heger SC identified the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel as a significant turning point that amplified antisemitic expression in Australia. She noted increases in doxxing, graffiti, heckling, and synagogue targeting. Heger observed that hatred has become louder and more emboldened, manifesting not only in overt violence but also in subtle, everyday microaggressions that erode community cohesion.
Commissioner’s Opening Remarks
Former High Court judge Virginia Bell SC, serving as royal commissioner, opened the hearings by noting that the sharp spike in antisemitic incidents in Australia mirrors trends across other Western nations and is clearly linked to events in the Middle East. Bell traced antisemitic imagery and sentiments back to the Middle Ages, emphasizing that understanding this long history is essential to addressing contemporary manifestations.
Scope and Timeline of the Inquiry
Counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC outlined the commission’s mandate: to examine how antisemitism manifests in Australia, assess its current character, and identify effective responses. The inquiry has already received more than 7,400 public submissions, with additional evidence expected. Two further hearing blocks are scheduled, and a final report is due one year after the December 14, 2023 Bondi Beach terror attack. Upcoming sessions will explore the key drivers of antisemitism, its prevalence in various institutions and industries, the role of online hate, and the specific circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Throughout the testimony, a common theme emerged: while many witnesses still believe in Australia’s greatness, they urge decisive action to stamp out the root causes of antisemitism. Recommendations include strengthening legal protections against hate crimes, implementing comprehensive educational programs, improving security for Jewish institutions and individuals, and fostering interfaith dialogue to rebuild trust. The commission’s forthcoming report will likely shape policy aimed at ensuring that Jewish Australians can live, worship, and express their identities without fear.