Australian Antisemitism Inquiry Condemns Online Abuse Targeting Jewish Witnesses

The inquiry was formed to examine antisemitism and social cohesion issues in Australia following the Bondi Beach attack.

By Shula Rosen

The head of Australia’s Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion said Tuesday that Jewish witnesses who testified before the inquiry had faced online harassment and antisemitic abuse following their appearances, according to CBS News.

Former High Court judge Virginia Bell, who is leading the commission, said several witnesses reported a surge in hateful messages after giving evidence during hearings held in early May.

“We have received reports from a number of witnesses concerning a dramatic increase in online hate messages after they have given evidence,” Bell said.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion was established to investigate anti-Jewish sentiment in Australia in the period leading up to the killing of 15 people at a Chanukah event at Bondi Beach carried out by two ISIS-inspired gunmen.

Bell condemned the online reactions directed at members of the Jewish community who participated in the proceedings.

“Quite what this undiluted level of hatred and bigotry directed towards members of the Jewish community is thought to benefit by those who post these remarks is lost on me,” she said.

According to Bell, the commission has been documenting the social media activity targeting witnesses. She said one case involving harassment had already been referred to police.

“The commission has, as one of its principal objects, understanding and assessing the lived experience of antisemitism by members of the Jewish community, and it is being informed by conduct of this character,” Bell said.

Bell’s remarks focused on the experiences of Jewish witnesses who participated in the commission’s hearings and later reported abuse online. She said the commission was continuing to collect information about messages and reactions directed at participants after their testimony.