The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has uncovered alarming evidence of systemic harassment and intimidation faced by the Jewish community, with hearings revealing a surge in hate directed at witnesses and community members.

Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell highlighted a dramatic increase in online abuse following testimonies, including threats and derogatory comments targeting individuals like the Lowy family, founders of Westfield.Labor’s former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus detailed his experiences of public vilification and vandalism over the Gaza conflict.The commission has received over 20,000 submissions since its inception, underscoring the scale of the issue.Witnesses described a normalization of anti-Jewish hatred, eroding the sense of safety in Australia.Bell emphasized the commission’s role in understanding lived experiences of antisemitism, urging resources to ensure a comprehensive report.The findings underscore the urgent need for systemic change to address hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities.