In a powerful and sobering assessment, prominent community leader Dr Dvir Abramovich has declared that while a Royal Commission into antisemitism will not be a magical cure for the ancient hatred, it represents a vital and necessary step for healing and rebuilding shattered trust in Australia.
A Necessary Step, Not a Panacea
Dr Abramovich, the Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, penned an opinion piece acknowledging the profound trauma and fear gripping the Australian Jewish community. He states that the surge in antisemitic incidents since the October 7 Hamas attacks has left many feeling isolated, betrayed, and questioning their place in Australian society.
The call for a Royal Commission, he argues, is a direct response to this crisis of confidence. It is not sought as a simple solution, but as a formal, authoritative process to thoroughly investigate the sources, scale, and institutional responses to antisemitism in Australia. For a community feeling that its warnings have been minimised or ignored, such an inquiry is seen as a fundamental gesture of recognition and a commitment to justice.
Confronting the Scale of the Crisis
Abramovich outlines the stark reality facing Jewish Australians. He cites reports of a more than 700% increase in antisemitic incidents, detailing acts of intimidation, vandalism, and violent threats that have become part of daily life for many. Schools, universities, and public streets have become arenas for hate, leaving parents fearful for their children's safety and individuals scared to openly express their identity.
This environment, he contends, has eroded the social contract. The belief that Australia is a safe, multicultural haven has been severely tested. The Royal Commission, in his view, would serve to officially document this alarming trend, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to create an undeniable record of the problem's magnitude. This official record is crucial for formulating effective, long-term policy responses.
Rebuilding the Fractured Bonds of Trust
The core of Abramovich's argument is that the true value of a Royal Commission lies in its potential to restore trust. When a community feels its suffering is unseen by authorities and fellow citizens, deep fractures appear in the national fabric. A transparent, independent inquiry sends a clear message: your pain is real, your safety matters, and your place in this nation is non-negotiable.
He emphasises that the process itself can be cathartic, providing a platform for victims to be heard and for truth to be established. By uncovering systemic failures and highlighting best practices, the Commission could provide a roadmap for schools, universities, online platforms, and law enforcement to better combat hatred.
However, Abramovich is careful to temper expectations. He warns that no single government inquiry can eradicate a prejudice that has persisted for millennia. The fight against antisemitism requires sustained, societal effort—education, leadership, and the unwavering commitment of all citizens to call out bigotry. The Royal Commission would be a powerful beginning, a foundation upon which to rebuild, but the ongoing work of vigilance and solidarity must continue long after its final report is delivered.
In conclusion, Dr Dvir Abramovich frames the proposed Royal Commission not as an end, but as a critical new beginning. It is a necessary instrument for diagnosis, acknowledgement, and the restoration of faith for a wounded community. Its ultimate success will be measured not just by its findings, but by whether it galvanises Australia to reaffirm its values of respect and mutual belonging for every citizen.
