‘Terrifying’: political candidate violently abused and schoolboy thrown into bin, antisemitism royal commission hears
Summary
A royal commission in Australia heard about rising violent antisemitic abuse targeting a Jewish political candidate and the broader Jewish community. Incidents include online threats, school bullying, and violent threats against Jewish events, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by Jewish Australians.Key Facts
- Joshua Kirsh, a Jewish candidate for the New South Wales upper house, experienced aggressive antisemitic abuse on social media during his campaign.
- The abuse included harsh language, conspiracy theories, and threats aimed at intimidating Jewish Australians from public roles.
- In 2019, a Jewish student event to celebrate Purim faced a serious gun violence threat, which was reported to police and security groups.
- A Jewish boy, aged 13, was bullied at school with antisemitic slurs, physical violence, and Nazi gestures, leading his family to change schools.
- The affected family reported little support from the school, which downplayed the bullying as "play fighting."
- Antisemitic behavior continues in new schools and public spaces, showing persistent discrimination.
- During the hearings, a man wearing a T-shirt combining an Israeli flag with a swastika was removed by police near the commission venue.
- The royal commission is investigating antisemitism and its impact on social cohesion in Australia.
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