Story perspectives

Royal Commission Hearings Spark Online Antisemitic Surge, Police Inaction

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, chaired by former High Court judge Virginia Bell, began hearing testimonies on antisemitism across Australia on May 4.
Witnesses have reported a surge in online hate messages since the hearings began.
One harassment case arising from the testimonies has been referred to police.
State police did not conduct a threat assessment for the Bondi Beach Hanukkah gathering despite a private security group’s warning.

History

Historical Context

Section 18C, added to the Racial Discrimination Act in 1995, created Australia’s civil remedy for racial vilification and was invoked in the 2011 Eat Bolt case. After the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting, Parliament passed the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act on 20 January 2026, expanding enforcement. The current Royal Commission on Antisemitism, chaired by Judge Virginia Bell, builds on this legal lineage.

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Story summary

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, chaired by former High Court judge Virginia Bell, began hearing testimonies on antisemitism across Australia on May 4.
Witnesses have reported a surge in online hate messages since the hearings began.
One harassment case arising from the testimonies has been referred to police.
State police did not conduct a threat assessment for the Bondi Beach Hanukkah gathering despite a private security group’s warning.

1 / 2