Arabic version: تزايد المخاوف بشأن تأثير معاداة السامية على سلامة الأطفال

Public hearings for the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion entered their second day on Tuesday, with witnesses sharing their experiences of discrimination. According to ABC News, Jewish woman Natalie Levy expressed fears for her children’s safety, highlighting the prevalence of antisemitism in their daily lives.

Levy, who grew up in a more peaceful environment, described how her children now attend school under heavy security, surrounded by graffiti of swastikas. Her daughter, one of two Jewish students at a Sydney public school, has reported seeing antisemitic symbols and hearing hateful remarks from peers. “She is scared for me being here today,” Levy stated, emphasizing the emotional toll these experiences have on her family.

The inquiry was called to assess the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terror attack, which killed 15 people on December 14. Levy wore a bee brooch, a tribute to the youngest victim of the attack, symbolizing the losses suffered due to rising antisemitism. Another witness, known as Dina, recounted how her daughter expressed fear during a recent visit to Bondi Beach, stating, “Now when I come to Bondi, I think about dying.”

The commission has received more than 7,400 submissions, with ongoing hearings scheduled in the coming months. Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell SC noted a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents, linking it to global events, particularly in the Middle East. The commission’s final report is due a year from the date of the terror attack, aiming to address these critical issues.