Jewish students called ‘child killers’

Jewish students were subjected to a targeted antisemitic attack at a trivia night on UNSW campus last week week, with a man hurling abuse at them and calling them “child killers” in an incident caught on video.

The confrontation took place at The Roundhouse venue, where the Australian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) had been hosting a trivia night. When the man discovered Jewish students were present, he approached the group and began hurling abuse.

“You kill children … Don’t kill children,” he told the students.

“We are just here trying to play a pool game, trying to have a good time, and you are here disturbing the peace,” one student responded.

The man then threatened to harm a security guard who attempted to escort him from the venue, saying “I will not hurt you unless you touch me,” before footage shows staff working to remove him.

AUJS UNSW said it was “appalled” by the incident, describing the abuse as a modern form of blood libel.

“Nobody should have to weigh whether participating in everyday campus experience puts them at risk of harassment or intimidation,” AUJS said in a statement.

“AUJS will not accept a campus culture that forces Jewish students out of shared spaces and into the margins. Jewish students belong fully and freely on every campus, in every space, at every event. University must be a place where Jewish life can thrive, and where every student can enjoy campus life without fear.”

A UNSW spokesperson said police attended the incident and a complaint had since been received by the university, which is investigating the matter. The university said it does not believe the individual is a UNSW student or staff member and is engaging with NSW Police.

“UNSW stands categorically against all forms of antisemitism. There is no place for this kind of conduct in our community,” the spokesperson said.