Story perspectives

Royal Commission hears 22% antisemitism rise; guards exhausted, services canceled

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism held its hearing block in Australia on July 20, 2026, with former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus testifying.
It recorded 1,576 antisemitic incidents in 2025, a 22 percent rise from 2024.
Volunteer guards logged over 113,700 hours in 2025 and describe the duty as a full-time, psychologically draining job.
Synagogues cancelled Friday night services because they cannot afford guards, prompting Dreyfus to urge buffer-zone laws like those protecting abortion clinics.

History

Historical Context

After the 2005 Cronulla riots spurred New South Wales to strengthen its anti-discrimination framework, the state’s 1989 amendment to the Anti-Discrimination Act made racial vilification a criminal offence. Federal action accelerated following the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting, and the Albanese government passed the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act in January 2026, paving the way for buffer-zone protections and nationwide hate-crime reforms by 2028.

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Story summary

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism held its hearing block in Australia on July 20, 2026, with former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus testifying.
It recorded 1,576 antisemitic incidents in 2025, a 22 percent rise from 2024.
Volunteer guards logged over 113,700 hours in 2025 and describe the duty as a full-time, psychologically draining job.
Synagogues cancelled Friday night services because they cannot afford guards, prompting Dreyfus to urge buffer-zone laws like those protecting abortion clinics.

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