Arabic version: معلم يهودي يصف الخوف أثناء شهادة موكب ماردى غرا
A Jewish teacher from Sydney testified at the royal commission into antisemitism, expressing fears for his life while participating in the 2026 Mardi Gras parade. Known as Benjamin F, he shared his experience of marching with the Jewish LGBTQIA+ group Dayenu, stating that he felt threatened by hostile protesters.
According to ABC News, Benjamin F described being called “genocide supporters” as the group marched up Oxford Street, with a heavy police presence. He recounted a sense of gut-wrenching fear that he and his colleagues could be attacked during the event.
Having converted to Judaism in 2022, Benjamin F noted a stark contrast between his acceptance in the LGBTQIA+ community and the backlash he faced from some friends upon revealing his religious conversion. He stated that the experience of sharing his faith journey led to the loss of many friendships and feelings of isolation.
During his testimony, Benjamin F mentioned that the group did not display Israeli flags during the parade, yet some members wore symbols of Judaism. He expressed that the chanting of “Free Palestine” by protesters was intended to intimidate the Dayenu group and force them into submission.
The royal commission, which has been held under strict security, continues to gather testimonies from individuals affected by antisemitism. Benjamin F’s account is part of a broader inquiry initiated following the tragic Bondi terror attack, which claimed 15 lives at a Hanukkah event on December 14, 2023.
