Jewish groups demand inquiry into ‘explosion’ of anti-Semitic incidents at universities

Calls are growing for a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism at universities following an “explosion” of hostile incidents this year.

Jewish groups are backing former treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s calls for a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism at universities, following an “explosion” of hostile incidents.

There’s been at least 20 anti-Semitic incidents at Victorian tertiary institutions publicly reported since April, with many more feared unreported.

These incidents include Jewish students being verbally abused, followed and tormented and pro-Palestine activists occupying university buildings and staff offices.

More recently, students at the University of Melbourne have been targeted by anti-Semitic graffiti, with phrases “Israel will fall” and “glory to the resistance” among the words scrawled on walls.

Anti-Semitic graffiti is scrawled on walls at the University of Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

Jewish groups are backing calls from former treasurer Josh Frydenberg for a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism at universities as attacks continue on campus. Picture: Supplied

Meanwhile, a Victoria University tutor emailed students an invite to a pro-Palestine rally last month, causing great distress for those who were Jewish.

The Zionist Federation of Australia reported Jewish students were quitting their courses due to hostility on campus, while Year 12s were making their university selections for next year based on “which campuses are safe for Jews”.

It comes after pro-Palestine encampments were set up at five Victorian universities earlier this year, with one turning into a 10 day sit-in at the University of Melbourne’s Arts West Building.

A Victoria Univerisity tutor emailed students to invite them to a pro-Palestine. Picture: Supplied

The 21 students called to academic misconduct meetings following the pro-Palestine encampment at the University of Melbourne. Picture: Jason Edwards

Students and Pro-Palestine supporters camp at the RMIT Melbourne campus in May. Picture: Nicki Connolly

A Deakin University student said it was a relief the encampments were gone, but anti-Semitism on campus had since become more political and systematic.

“There are major issues with the reporting system and the university isn’t dealing with it properly,” they said.

A Monash University student said they got called a “Nazi” when responding “no” to whether they supported a pro-Palestine student union motion, while another student said they were spat on for wearing a Star of David necklace.

Zionist Federation of Australia chief executive Alon Cassuto said there’s been an “explosion of hostile, violent and anti-Semitic incidents” directed at Jewish students and staff.

“No other minority would be expected to put up with the sheer scale of hatred we have witnessed on our campuses … (including chants) ‘f--k the Zionists’, ‘f--k off, Zionist scum’, and ‘f--k you, Zionist dogs’,” he said.

Australasian Union of Jewish Students president Noah Loven said immediate action was needed to protect students, with the group making several recommendations including investing in social cohesion and creating a binding standard for how complaints were handled.

“We call on the government and the tertiary education sector to adopt and implement these

recommendations in time for the start of the next academic year,” Mr Loven said.

Australian Jewish Association (AJA) chief executive Robert Gregory backed calls for a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism at universities, after students told the association they didn’t feel safe and hid their Jewish identity on campus.

“This should not be happening in Australia in 2024,” he said.

Anti-Semitic graffiti at the University of Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

Executive Council of Australian Jewry head of legal Simone Abel said now was the time for universities to become “steadfast and consistent”.

“The time for words has passed,” she said.

A University of Melbourne spokesman said the institution condemned all forms and manifestations of racism and racial discrimination.

“The university is taking action to respond to and prevent racism at the University of Melbourne through its four-part anti-racism commitment,” he said.

The university also adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ‘working definition of anti-Semitism’ to “understand and respond to anti-Semitism on campus”.

A Victoria University spokeswoman said the institution had a “deep responsibility and care” for all students and staff and abhorred anti-Semitism “on every site, at every campus and at every level”.