80pc of Australian Jewish women experienced antisemitism, inquiry told

A recent survey presented to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion revealed that 80 percent of Australian Jewish women have experienced antisemitism. The research, conducted by the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia, highlighted disturbing incidents including verbal abuse, physical assaults, and widespread denial of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Respondents reported being called genocidal slurs and subjected to hostility in various settings, including hospitals and schools. More than half of those surveyed encountered claims that the Hamas attack, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, was either justified or fabricated. The survey also underscored the particular harm caused by the denial of sexual assaults against Jewish women during the Hamas attacks. Shirley Leader, vice president of the National Council of Jewish Women, told the commission that much of this denial originated from within progressive and feminist circles in Australia, which questioned or mocked reports of abuse. This rejection of solidarity has compounded the trauma experienced by Jewish women, deepening their sense of isolation and vulnerability. The Royal Commission, established in response to rising antisemitism following the Bondi terror attack in December 2025, is currently conducting public hearings to gather evidence from those affected. Some sessions have been closed due to national security concerns and ongoing legal matters. Michele Goldman, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, testified about the increased need for community support since October 2023. She cited examples of antisemitic violence, including a case where a 10-year-old boy was physically attacked and exposed to Nazi imagery at school. Goldman emphasized the slow response from educational authorities but noted recent commitments to Holocaust education and teacher training as steps toward addressing the issue. The findings highlight the urgent need for systemic solutions to combat antisemitism in Australia. The commission’s work aims to inform policies that protect Jewish communities and promote social cohesion amid rising hate crimes and denial of historical atrocities.