Think tank takes on antisemitism
A major three-year research initiative to combat antisemitism and other forms of religious discrimination in Australia has been launched by the Sydney-based think tank Centre for Independent Studies.
The project, backed by the Luminis Foundation and prominent businessman Simon Mordant, aims to tackle what’s being called one of the nation’s most pressing social issues.
With a rise in religious and cultural intolerance globally and domestically, the initiative seeks to provide data-driven insights and policy recommendations to bolster Australia’s pluralist democratic values.
The project defines antisemitism broadly, encompassing both overt and covert hostility towards Jewish individuals and institutions, aligning with international standards like the IHRA working definition. Islamophobia will also be a key focus, examining its sociopolitical dimensions and links to security and visibility.
The recent explosion of antisemitism in Australia speaks to a fundamental breakdown in our multicultural society. It is a major issue for all our communities because left unchecked, it will erode our shared Australian values and totally undermine social cohesion across the country” stated Ron Malek, Executive Co-Chairman of investment bank Luminis Partners.
Jamie Garis, Managing Director at Luminis Partners, called the rise in antisemitism “quite frankly alarming.” He added, “Racism is abhorrent in any form… we and the Luminis Foundation consider this a vital project for all Australians.”
Tom Switzer, CIS Executive Director, stressed that Australia, founded on principles of freedom and mutual respect, “cannot afford to be complacent” in the face of rising intolerance. He described the project as a “vital step in promoting tolerance,” with the CIS “proud to lead this research and contribute practical solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
The initiative’s key deliverables include:
- Annual national surveys on perceptions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and religious intolerance and discrimination.
- Publications covering antisemitism, online hate, legal protections, and civic education.
- A final edited volume consolidating three years of research and policy recommendations.
A spokesperson said: “This initiative underscores CIS’s ongoing dedication to public policy research rooted in evidence, integrity, and democratic values”.
