Community encouraged to share experiences

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has released a comprehensive guide to help community members make submissions to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, with Commissioner Virginia Bell particularly interested in hearing from Jewish Australians about their experiences.

The commission will examine the prevalence, nature, causes and effects of antisemitism in Australia and recommend ways to strengthen social cohesion and community safety.

It operates as an independent inquiry and is not subject to control by the government or any external agency. Its final report is due by December 14, with submissions currently accepted until May 2026.

Anyone who has experienced or witnessed antisemitic conduct, or has views on antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia, may make a submission regardless of whether they are Jewish, from another community, an organisation, a friend or an observer.

In her opening statement, Commissioner Bell stressed she is interested in hearing from Jewish Australians who have experienced antisemitism at school, university, the workplace or elsewhere. She pointed out the commission will use these accounts to assess the impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians.

The vast majority of people who make submissions will not be called upon to give evidence. Bell has said a person making a submission who does not wish to give evidence at a hearing will not be compelled to do so.

The ECAJ guide emphasises there is no single “correct” way to make a submission, but the most useful submissions are clear, personal and specific. The guide recommends describing the conduct or issue clearly, explaining what happened in your own words, including dates, places, circumstances, who was involved, whether it was reported to authorities and what resulted from that reporting.

Those who submit their experiences should explain how the conduct affected their physical, emotional, economic or social wellbeing or that of their family or friends, their sense of safety or belonging, and their studies, work or community involvement.

The online form allows submitters to request that their identity not be published or shared publicly.

As ECAJ produces an annual antisemitism report, the organisation has asked the community to contact them regarding submissions or provide a Word version of content submitted through the commission website. Personal information provided to ECAJ will be treated confidentially, with consent sought before using it in any public reporting.

The guide warns that discussing difficult or traumatic experiences can be distressing and directs those needing emotional support to contact appropriate counselling services such as Lifeline, Jewish Care support services or other mental health resources.

For emergency incidents, the guide directs people to call 000 immediately. For non-emergency security risk matters, people should contact the Community Security Group in their state. An online reporting form for non-urgent matters is available at the ECAJ website.

ECAJ head of legal Simone Abel has provided an example of a personal submission made to a Queensland parliamentary inquiry, demonstrating how to tell your story in a way that informs the issue being considered.

The Commission is collecting submissions through its secure online form at asc.royalcommission.gov.au/share-your-story/submissions. Submissions are accepted in a variety of formats including written text and file uploads.

For official materials, terms of reference, updates and contact details, visit asc.royalcommission.gov.au.

For ECAJ’s resources on the commission and community guidance, visit ecaj.org.au/royal-commission-on-antisemitism-and-social-cohesion or email royalcommission@ecaj.org.au