The elephant in the room

May 4, 2026

The Interim Royal Commission report on antisemitism in Australia ignores the “elephant in the room”: Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran. Israel is committing a live-streamed genocide in Gaza, instigating war against Iran (with US support), and damaging the global economy - including Australia’s - through rising inflation, interest rates, and unemployment. Many Australians including some Jewish Australians are expressing their outrage by peaceful demonstrations and rallies in support of Palestinians. There has also been some non-violent, but unlawful direct action. The Bondi massacre is something which is completely outside and unconnected with these protests. Peak Jewish Australian bodies support the Israeli government and claim to represent most Jewish Australians, creating a false perception that all Jewish Australians back Israeli policies. Complaints of antisemitism are used to suppress protest against Israel. Australian governments appease the U.S. unreservedly pro-Israel stance, by appointing a pro-Israel antisemitism envoy, and passing anti-democratic laws to curb and even criminalise pro-Palestinian protest. If the royal commission is to achieve its goal of restoring social cohesion, it should call on the Australian government to condemn Israeli war crimes, impose boycott/divestment/sanctions, rescind the envoy’s appointment, repeal restrictive laws, and join international legal and political action opposing Israel’s crimes.