Jewish Australians urged to share experiences with Royal Commission on antisemitism

Jewish organisations are encouraging members of the community to make submissions to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, saying personal accounts will play a key role in the inquiry’s work.

The Royal Commission, announced on January 9, 2026, following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, is examining the prevalence, nature, causes, and effects of antisemitism in Australia and will recommend ways to strengthen social cohesion and community safety.

Former High Court justice Virginia Bell is chairing the inquiry. As a Royal Commission it operates independently and is not subject to direction from government or any external body. Submissions are being accepted until May 2026, with the final report of the Commission due by December 14.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has released a guide to help people prepare submissions and understand the process.

Anyone may provide a submission, including individuals who have experienced or witnessed antisemitic conduct, as well as organisations, observers, friends, or members of other communities with views on antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia.

In outlining the inquiry’s focus, Bell said she is particularly interested in hearing directly from Jewish Australians about their experiences, including incidents in schools, universities, workplaces and other public settings. Such accounts will help the Commission assess how antisemitism affects the daily lives of Jewish Australians.

The ECAJ guide explains that there is no single correct format for submissions but encourages people to describe incidents clearly and in their own words. It suggests including details, such as where and when the incident occurred, who was involved, whether it was reported, and what response followed.

An ECAJ spokesperson said authenticity and first-hand experience were the most important elements of a submission.

“The most important things in making a submission are truth and authenticity. People need to tell the story of what they experienced in their own way and in their own voice. They should not get ‘help’ from lawyers or anyone else. The simplest approach is always the best.

“Tell the Commission exactly what you saw with your own eyes and heard with your own ears, not how you interpreted what you saw and heard. When recounting conversations, use direct rather than indirect speech.

“You can also give a heartfelt account of your own feelings and reactions and, if applicable, how the incident subsequently affected your relationships, but don’t speculate about the thoughts and feelings of others.

“If you saw or witnessed acts of kindness or decency from non-Jewish people in the face of antisemitism, share those stories with the Commission too.

“You can express a view about what improvements could be made to prevent a specific situation like yours from recurring, but otherwise it is best to avoid commentating about what you saw and heard, or telling the Commission what conclusions to draw from it, or giving your political opinions about the causes of and remedies for antisemitism more generally. The Commission will make up its own mind.”

The Zionist Council of NSW has also encouraged community members to participate.

“The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is now accepting submissions. Commissioner Virginia Bell has expressed that she strongly encourages personal submissions from Jewish Australians about their lived experiences,” the organisation said.

The council has prepared a one-page guide outlining the submission process and providing a link to the Commission’s online portal.

Guidance circulated by The Dor Foundation highlights several areas in which the Commission is particularly interested in receiving evidence. These include incidents involving antisemitic conduct directed at Jewish organisations or their staff, members or supporters, threatening communications such as emails or calls, and the impact of antisemitism on the physical and mental wellbeing of people connected to Jewish institutions.

The inquiry is also examining security arrangements at Jewish organisations, including the cost of protective security measures, how they are funded and whether those arrangements have changed following the Hamas attacks of October 7 2023 and the Bondi attack of December 14 2025.

Bell has indicated that the vast majority of people who make submissions will not be asked to give evidence at hearings, and those who do not wish to appear will not be compelled to do so.

Because the ECAJ produces an annual report on antisemitism in Australia, the organisation has asked community members to consider sharing copies of their submissions or a Word version of the material they send to the Commission. Personal information provided to ECAJ will be treated confidentially, with consent sought before it is used in public reporting.

The guide also notes that recounting traumatic experiences can be distressing and encourages anyone who needs support to contact counselling services, such as Lifeline, Jewish Care, or other mental health providers.

Emergency incidents should be reported to police on 000, while non-urgent security concerns can be directed to the Community Security Group in each state. Non-urgent incidents may also be reported through the ECAJ website.

Further information about the Royal Commission, including its terms of reference and submission process, is available at asc.royalcommission.gov.au. Guidance prepared by the ECAJ can be found at ecaj.org.au or by emailing [email protected].