Universities must rise to the challenge of tackling antisemitism

July 15, 2026 — 5:00am

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The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, sitting in Melbourne this week, is hearing testimony on the effects of antisemitism at universities. It is learning of the devastating impact antisemitism has had on Jewish students and staff, the extent to which it has insinuated itself onto campus and how universities have responded.

The hearings are part of a series that began in February, one that has continued through May, June and now July, examining aspects of antisemitism following the Bondi massacre in December 2025.

This week, the commission has heard from several voices that illustrate and crystallise the challenges universities face in protecting the physical and mental wellbeing of Jewish students.

Liat, a student at the Australian National University, and spokesperson for the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, said that before the Hamas massacre in October 2023, antisemitism on campus had a “low-level hum”, but after it and Israel’s attack on Gaza, “pervasive fear” had developed. She now hid her........

© The Age