A survey conducted by the Zionist Federation of Australia revealed that Jewish university students in Australia feel unsafe due to ongoing anti-Semitism on campuses. The survey, which included 560 anonymous student responses, found that leftist groups were ostracizing, harassing, and excluding Jewish students. It also highlighted that staff members have been accused of targeting students as well. The survey revealed that 25% of students had experienced explicit discrimination, and 37% had heard comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany. As a result, one in five students avoided campus due to this issue.
Alissa Foster, the President of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, stated that anti-Israel sentiment had led to pro-Palestinian activists harassing Jewish social clubs, and Jewish students were not welcome in progressive spaces on campus regardless of their political opinions. She added that Jewish students were expected to support and condone racism if they were associated with Israel or Jewish. Dr. Bren Carlill, the Public Affairs Director of the Zionist Federation of Australia, called the findings depressing but unsurprising. He emphasized the need for university administrators to take notice of the discrimination faced by Jewish students.
In New South Wales, the level of campus anti-Semitism was higher, with universities like the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, and the University of Sydney experiencing high levels of anti-Semitism. The spokesperson from the University of New South Wales acknowledged that there could be a problem with anti-Semitism on campus. Macquarie University and the University of Sydney expressed their zero-tolerance policies towards anti-Semitism, stating that they did not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination, or bullying.
These findings come amidst civil tensions around the world between supporters of Israel and Palestine. The Israeli government recently declared war against the terrorist group Hamas, leading to a deadly coordinated strike against Israeli civilians and resulting in the deaths of 2,000 people. The Israeli military called on the United Nations to help evacuate 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza within 24 hours, as Israeli forces prepared to move in, even though the UN spokesperson deemed it impossible. The crisis has resulted in understaffed hospitals in Gaza and limited resources, causing delays in providing medical care.
In an effort to cool tensions, Education Minister Jason Clare called for a lowering of “temperatures”. He highlighted the importance of political and community leaders working together to protect the harmony that exists among the diverse population in Australia. Minister Clare also directed questions to university administrators regarding the steps they were taking to protect students.
Following the survey results, Monash University implemented measures such as counseling and mental health services, increased security patrols, and special consideration for affected students. The University of Sydney’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, stated that the university was providing additional support to Israeli and Palestinian students and consulting with relevant clubs and societies to offer academic, psychological, and practical assistance.
It is worth noting that some universities had yet to implement policies banning the display of religious iconography or flags on campus. Additionally, on October 9, pro-Palestinian protestors marched in Sydney without a permit and engaged in violent behavior, including throwing flares and burning flags, while chanting anti-Semitic phrases. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Deputy Sussan Ley called for the deportation of protesters responsible for racial slurs. In response to hate symbols, the Queensland government passed laws outlawing symbols like the swastika, with offenders facing a maximum of six months imprisonment. Attorney-General and Justice Minister Yvette D’Ath stated that hate symbols were corrosive to public trust and emphasized that such behaviors would not be tolerated.