Macquarie University creates high security Jewish ‘safe room’ over rise in antisemitic incidents

A high-security safe room has been set up for Jewish students at a Sydney university in response to rising and shocking reports of antisemitism on the campus – despite criticism from some students it will leave them isolated and “sitting ducks”.

A high-security safe room has been set up for Jewish students at a top Sydney university after some reported feeling at risk due to anti-Semitism on campus, prompting religious leaders to say it should “shock us all” when young people “feel they need a sanctuary to escape”.

Macquarie University’s vice-chancellor Bruce Dowton confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that the new safe space for Jewish students has opened its doors to provide a haven for those feeling unsafe at the tertiary campus in Macquarie Park.

The new safe room – the location of which the university is not disclosing due to safety concerns – has security features and can only be accessed by students using a swipe card.

The room was established in response to a spike in anti-Semitic incidents at the university, including posters plastered on campus walls that depicted Jews as thieves and also a long-nosed caricature wearing a Star of David.

Pro-Palestine protests staged at the campus and reports of students handing out anti-Israel posters to new students during orientation week have also sparked concerns from Jewish students.

Academic Randa Abdel-Fattah, whose X account once posted: “May 2025 be the end of Israel”, has spoken on campus at a rally.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said we needed to protect students from anti-Semitic behaviour.

“People have come from around the world – from different races and religions – because we are a peaceful, tolerant country that has been free of this kind of racial or religious division and ancient hatreds and we can’t bend on this principle,” he said.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said “every inch of every campus must be safe for Jewish students”.

anti-Semitic posters at the university have sparked concerns.

“Universities have a legal obligation to ensure that Jewish students can study and engage in all aspects of campus life in peace and security,” he said.

“It is commonplace for student clubs and associations to be allocated spaces for meetings, but when students feel they need a sanctuary to escape their tormentors – that should shock us all.”

It is understood The University of Sydney is also operating a dedicated space for Jewish students.

At Macquarie University, the safe room was requested by the NSW branch of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) in response to students feeling unsafe at the campuses, leading to some pupils skipping lectures or hiding their religious identities.

A photo of a pro-Palestine protest at the campus.

However, the establishment of the safe room has also raised fears it could isolate Jewish students

Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory said “the answer to antisemitism at the campus was not for Jewish students to be tucked away in safe spaces.”

“Isolating the Jewish students in safe rooms away from the other students may in fact make them sitting ducks and the target of further bullying,” he said.

“It is disappointing that in 2025, the situation on Australian university campuses has deteriorated so badly that a university feels the need to establish a safe space to keep Jewish students safe.”

Macquarie University declined to comment on concerns about the room and said the university “does not share details that may compromise the intended purpose of any of its initiatives”.

Robert Gregory, chief executive of the Australian Jewish Association.

A photo of a protest at the university.

A federal inquiry to antisemitism at university campuses has heard concerns the establishment of a safe room was an inadequate response.

One student told the inquiry: “Why should Jewish students have to huddle in a room to keep safe”.

Mr Dowton had told the inquiry that Macquarie University has “stood in absolute solidarity” with society against the rise of anti-Semitism.

“As we begin the new academic year at the university, we are committed to redoubling our efforts to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for every single member of our community,” he told the inquiry.

University vice-chancellor Bruce Dowton.