Evidence suggests a rise in anti-Semitic incidents on Australian campuses, including Nazi salutes in classrooms, slurs labeling Jewish staff and students as baby killers or genocide supporters, and Jewish individuals hiding their identity on campus.

Yasmine Johnson, a Students for Palestine organizer, defended campus protests as proportionate to Gaza-related violence, rejected strict anti-violence standards, and denied ties to Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Counsel assisting the commission, Zelie Heger, cautioned that authorities must distinguish legitimate political expression from racism or anti-Semitism while still taking decisive action.

Academic Andy Smidt warned of safety concerns at the University of Sydney amid pro-Palestine encampments, graffiti and threats tied to anti-Israel sentiment.

A tutor alleged reprisals after reporting an incident, later losing casual PhD work shifts and feeling unsafe continuing to challenge anti-Semitism.

The Royal Commission on anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion opened a two-week Melbourne hearing block focused on lived experiences in universities and schools, with some witnesses testifying under pseudonyms for safety.

Hearings in Melbourne reflect the city’s large Jewish population, and some witnesses will give evidence without cross-examination to protect safety.

Commission notes anti-Semitism existed on campuses before October 7, 2023, but says there has been an uptick since then linked to pro-Palestine encampments.

Education Minister Jason Clare warned of forthcoming horrific evidence and announced standards requiring universities to adopt definitions of anti-Semitism, racism against Indigenous Australians, and Islamophobia, plus transparent complaints processes and inclusive decision-making.

A recurring theme is the assumption that Jewish or Israeli identity dictates political stance, influencing treatment on campus.

Commissioner Virginia Bell signaled broad evidence on campus dynamics and anti-Semitism with more testimony to come.

Liat, an ANU student, reported anti-Semitic taunts and hiding Jewish symbols, criticizing ANU’s reporting process as retraumatizing and largely silent.