Jewish Community leaders raise concerns over a QUT anti-racism National Symposium speakers
Jewish leaders have raised “deep concerns” a number of speakers at an anti-racism symposium could increase levels of anti-Semitism.
QLD News
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Queensland Jewish leaders have written to one of the state’s top universities raising “deep concerns” a number of speakers set to appear at an anti-racism symposium could increase levels of anti-Semitism.
It’s understood the Queensland Board of Deputies has written to the Queensland University of Technology addressing concerns over controversial academics to appear at a National Symposium unifying anti-racist research and action held at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Thursday and Friday.
Macquarie University anti-Israel academic Randa Abdel-Fattah has been listed as an external speaker at the event on Friday.
The two-day event will host anti-racist researchers and practitioners from across Australia to spark critical conversations around systemic racism and its global and local impacts.
Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah publicly wished for 2025 to “be the end of Israel” and for the “abolishment of the death cult of Zionism” in social media posts last year.
Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies Jason Steinberg said while he had raised concerns about the symposium in the letter, he respected the value of free speech.
“It’s deeply concerning that the speakers who will be on the podium, you just have to look at their social media to see how vehemently against Israel and Zionism they are.”
Mr Steinberg said some of the speakers were absolute exponents of demonising and dehumanising Jewish people and Israel.
He said some of the words they used on social media were very harmful.
“QUT should seriously look at who they have their speakers at their symposium under their banner.”
Its understood a number of speakers have been mentioned in the letter, including Dr Abdel-Fattah. She has been contacted for comment.
A QUT spokesman said the university was encouraged by the diverse line-up of panellists and guest speakers.
“QUT supports free and active discussion by academic researchers and practitioners,” the spokesman said.
It comes as Premier David Crisafulli threatened to come down on anti-Semitic behaviour to avoid the violence and vandalism experienced in southern parts of the country.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this week convened a meeting of national cabinet on Tuesday afternoon.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry head of legal Simone Abel said it was “ironic” the symposium would host external speakers whose “discourse had impacted the psychosocial safety of Jews”.
“No university event should be giving a platform to speakers who deny the internationally recognised right of self-determination of the Jewish people.”
Minister for Education, John-Paul Langbroek said Queensland was a proud multicultural society, and there is absolutely no room for hate, discrimination, or racism in any form.
“I stand by the Premier’s comments made to national cabinet this week that as a
state we must stamp out this unacceptable rise in anti-Semitic behaviour now,” Mr Langbroek said
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