Research into Australian antisemitism

Monash University’s Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism (MIRRA) is researching the nature, causes and effects of antisemitism in Australia and will be providing recommendations and support to governments and sectors across Australian society.

It involves a series of three-month projects, each seeking to provide datasets to help understand why antisemitism is occurring and to develop best practices to counter it. Monash’s first project is focused on antisemitism in the cultural and creative industries.

“Over the past year, many Jewish artists and cultural practitioners have reported that they have been silenced by cultural organisations and spaces that refuse to host or promote their work,” Monash University stated on its website.

“Moreover, Jewish philanthropists in the arts sector have been subject to boycotts and targeted for abuse. Antisemitism is not a series of isolated incidents; it is a systemic issue that impacts how institutions in the cultural and creative fields operate.

“Despite the sector’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, antisemitism is largely overlooked in its existing policies. As leaders in civil discourse and participation, arts institutions play a crucial role in combating antisemitism, fostering a more inclusive environment for all creatives.”

Associate Professor David Slucki is project lead for MIRRA and Director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, and leading the research for the first project is Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Lauren Chalk.

To hear directly from Jewish artists, Monash University has partnered with the Centre of Jewish Artists (COJA) and in April held Cultural Safety and Inclusion workshops to hear from the Jewish creative community and their experience of antisemitism.

CEO and Founder of COJA Romi Kupfer told The AJN, “COJA is thrilled to be partnering with the ACJC on the MIRRA Project, focusing on antisemitism in cultural and creative industries.

“We recently co-facilitated focus groups for independent artists and we are looking forward to supporting the ACJC team in gathering this vital data.

“COJA intends to implement the recommendations based on the research findings, within our organisation, alongside advocating for other Australian arts and culture organisations to do the same.”

The next Monash research projects will look at antisemitism in variety of areas including the law, in education and in the media.

For more information on MIRRA or to participate in the research project contact lauren.chalk@monash.edu or david.slucki@monash.edu