Arabic version: اللجنة الملكية تستمع إلى مخاوف بشأن معاداة السامية في أماكن العمل

According to SBS News, hearings of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Sydney examined allegations of antisemitism in government agencies, schools, healthcare and the arts. Jewish professionals gave evidence about their experiences at work, while the inquiry also heard concerns about students and patients feeling unsafe.

Jewish sculptor Nina Sanadze told the commission she became a target of antisemitism after a private group-chat message in which she called Hamas “animals” was leaked in 2024. She alleged references to Hamas had been replaced with “Palestinians” before the message circulated. Sanadze said some Jewish colleagues were wary of exhibiting work because they feared antisemitic attacks, and described pressure around the art world’s discussion of the Middle East and attending rallies.

Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism Jillian Segal raised concerns that Jewish artists could be unfairly excluded from public creative grants. She suggested a separate grant panel for Jewish artists and antisemitism training for existing panel members. Segal also said education on antisemitism should be expanded from preschool through to university and TAFE, highlighting teachers’ need for better knowledge and language to address the issue.

Former Moriah College principal John Hamey said students at the Sydney Jewish day school frequently faced antisemitism from pupils at other schools during his 2011 to 2018 tenure. He said some students stopped reporting incidents because they expected no serious consequences. The commission also heard about Courage to Care, a B’nai B’rith initiative that has reached more than half a million students nationwide and promotes bystander action against discrimination.

The Australasian Jewish Medical Federation said Jewish identities had become politicised in healthcare after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. Federation president Jack Green said doctors had become afraid to display Jewish symbols, while the inquiry heard Jewish patients and public servants could be worried about revealing their identities. Hearings are due to continue in Sydney on 4 August, focusing on protests and policing.