A handbook on antisemitism
Jillian Segal has published the Understanding Antisemitism in Australia handbook.
Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal has published the Understanding Antisemitism in Australia handbook, available to download from the envoy’s website. The handbook forms part of a broader program of work under her National Plan to Combat Antisemitism.
It aims to be a practical, academically rigorous guide to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, the definition adopted by the Australian government in 2021, contextualised for Australian life and designed for use across all sectors.
While other definitions of antisemitism exist, the IHRA definition is considered to have broad support from Australian Jewish communal organisations. The IHRA definition has been adopted by more than 47 countries and 1200 organisations internationally.
The handbook gives voice to the experience of Jewish Australians to help all Australians understand what antisemitism looks like today.
“This handbook is about people, not politics. It draws on real experiences to help our community understand antisemitism in its modern forms – and gives every sector the tools to stand against it, consistent with the values of fairness and respect that define us as Australians,” Segal said.
Meanwhile, the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is inviting members of the public and institutions to make submissions on their experiences of antisemitism until May 30, 2026.
The Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department said that those who wish to engage with the Commission are able to access two free legal advice providers for support. The National Legal Aid and the Jewish Centre for Law and Justice are both operating the National Legal Advice Service.
People can contact the service for free legal information, help and advice, including about making a voluntary submission to the Royal Commission. The service will operate for the duration of the Royal Commission.
To access the service contact: National Legal Aid 1800 976 198; rcasclegalhelp@nationallegalaid.org.au; nationallegalaid.org.au/national-services/rcasc-legal-help
Jewish Centre for Law and Justice jclj.org/jcljlegalservicesltd/#royal