Campus antisemitism to be examined at Melbourne hearings
Commissioner Virginia Bell said the hearings would draw on testimony from students, academics and institutions
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will turn its attention to Australian universities when it holds its fourth hearing block in Melbourne from July 13 to 17.
The block will focus on the lived experiences of antisemitism among Jewish students and academics, the responses of universities to combat it, and the reports, surveys and studies addressing its nature and prevalence on campuses.
Commissioner Virginia Bell said the hearings would draw on testimony from students, academics and institutions. “Hearing Block 4 will hear from students, academics and educational institutions to understand the lived experiences, prevalence and impact of antisemitism in educational settings, and investigate institutional responses to these issues,” she said.
The Commission said universities were a key focus given their role as major public institutions “where issues of inclusion, safety and freedom of expression intersect”, and where evidence before it had indicated instances of antisemitism affecting students and staff.
The Royal Commission received more than 20,000 submissions between February 24 and June 14, over a third of them from Victoria. Hearings will continue in Melbourne from July 20 to 24, with details of a fifth hearing block to be announced in coming weeks.
Jewish Community Council of Victoria CEO Naomi Levin welcomed the decision to hear evidence in Melbourne, home to Australia’s largest Jewish community.
“Data indicates that Victorians have faced escalating antisemitism in recent years, including 167 investigations launched by Victoria Police so far in 2026,” she said. The announcement followed news last week that a third person had been arrested in connection with the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing.
Levin said the focus on universities was significant. “It was not that long ago that local Jewish academics were targeted and threatened because of their identity, Jewish students were unable to study safely because of intimidating and vilifying behaviour, and the University of Melbourne was occupied and vandalised by protesters,” she said.
“Since then, much work has been done by university leaders to restore safety for all students and staff, including those who are Jewish, but significant challenges remain. Commissioner Bell is well placed to identify and address these challenges.”