Arabic version: اللجنة الملكية تستمع إلى تهديدات معادية للسامية آخذة في التلاقي

According to ABC News, Australia’s Jewish community faces an unprecedented security threat as divergent extremist groups converge on a shared hatred of Jews, the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has heard.

Dor Foundation chief executive Tahli Blicblau told the inquiry that Islamic extremism, the extreme far-right, fringe elements of the far-left and conspiracy movements had little in common beyond a willingness to use violence and “their shared hatred for Jews”. She said domestic and foreign terrorist organisations were also working with such groups, creating a security environment requiring a sophisticated and integrated response.

The commission has been examining security in a post-October 7, 2023 environment, questioning police, religious leaders and security agencies. Evidence this week has included broad agreement that vilification of Australian Jewish communities rose to new levels after the Hamas terror attack and Israel’s military bombardment of Gaza.

Ms Blicblau called for stronger, formalised links between Jewish community groups and law enforcement and intelligence agencies, pointing to the community’s response to the Bondi terror attack. She said security funding needs had risen dramatically over the past three years and should not be left to Jewish philanthropy.

Department of Home Affairs assistant secretary Amy Dyde said more than $209 million in protective security grants had been provided over six years. She said the grants process could be streamlined and confirmed that an application from a Melbourne synagogue later devastated in a firebombing was rejected because it was an unincorporated entity. Victoria Police also gave evidence, with sensitive security measures heard in closed sessions. Federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser was expected to appear before the commission later on Friday.