Andrew L. Urban
Given that only the manifestations of antisemitism can be held in check by laws, not the bigoted mindset, Josh Frydenberg’s article in The Australian proposing steps to do that (The royal commission must be the circuit breaker, 10/8) is important for two big reasons. I explain below.
Fryxdenberg writes: “What is required now is a policy of zero tolerance for antisemitism and hate, to drive it back to the fringes of society, where it belongs. I discuss these issues and others in my personal submission to the royal commission, lodged nearly two months ago.
“At the time I made it clear I would welcome the opportunity to be called as a witness.
“I heard nothing until last Friday afternoon when I was informed via the royal commission’s legal team that I would not be called.” Not a good omen 1.
Frydenberg: “… the commission has received a detailed set of submissions that has been agreed between the peak representative organisations of the Jewish community, including the Dor Foundation. Many of these areas are ones I touched upon in my speech at Bondi on December 17, 2025 – three days after the massacre.
“I will briefly mention some of those important issues here.
First, ban the hate preachers.
On October 8, 2023, in western Sydney, Islamic preachers said the Hamas atrocities committed the day earlier were for them an act of courage and pride.
When the Muslim community hears such a message it is no surprise that a concerning number in that community are radicalised in their beliefs and outlook, including those who carried out the Bondi Beach massacre.
Second, ban the extremist organisations.
It took years for our federal government and our law enforcement agencies to finally act against Hizb ut-Tahir. Why did it take so long when the evidence was overwhelming that this group was grooming young men in Australian schools and online with their extreme views?
There are many more organisations in Australia that should suffer the same fate.
Third, more actively prosecute and punish those who incite violence and hate.
If there are sanctions for wrongful conduct it will deter others. In the absence of such sanctions, the aggressors are emboldened.
It is welcome to see charges being laid against those who went online to threaten witnesses to the royal commission, but there needs to be more of it and it needs to be handled in a systemic, efficient way.
As the head of ASIO Mike Burgess has said, “inflamed language leads to violence”. These are not jokes, these are not hoaxes.
Fourth, stop the hateful protests.
Of course, there is a legitimate right to protest but not in the way the protests against the Gaza war were conducted in our capital cities and across university campuses in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
These co-ordinated protests became incubators of hate and diverted significant police resources from other important duties. They have contributed to the dangerous environment in Australia.
There should be a permit system for mass gatherings across Australia to ensure they can be appropriately policed and appropriately located.
Fifth, invest in education.
There needs to be a complete overhaul of antisemitism-related training and teaching in our schools, universities, workplaces and across the public service and institutions of government.
We need to be unapologetic about the need to focus on antisemitism and rebuilding social cohesion.
Antisemitism is the scourge we face today. We have collective responsibility to stop it, otherwise it will only grow.
Sixth, immigration.
Australia has prided itself on a non-discriminatory immigration policy but now is the time to be more rigorous and selective.
We have a character test, but it needs to be more explicit – screening out those who hold anti-democratic views that do not align with our values of tolerance, fairness and respect.
Seven, hard security.
It’s time our governments, federal and state, moved from a piecemeal and reactive approach to security funding for the Jewish community and its schools and institutions. Security funding should be covered by the state.
So why do I say this is an important article.
One, the steps he outlines (above) would be a clear declaration that the Australian public abhors and strongly rejects that bigoted mindset. Those steps would have a tangible effect and an equally important psychological impact on both the antisemitic activists (negative) and the victims (positive).
Two, it declares in specific terms what the Jewish community – but also the wider public – expects the Royal Commission to recommend, as articulated by one of its most senior representatives. Anything less would reduce the Royal Commission’s value and relevance.
But then, of course, it would be over to you and your cabinet, Prime Minister …
And while on the subject … There was criticism of the Commissioner’s decision the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) and the Palestine Action Group were given leave to appear to question witnesses on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip appeared frustrated with some of the cross-examination. “This is a royal commission on antisemitism … I’m a bit confused about why we are getting caught up in the minutiae of the timeline of a foreign military,” he said.
Commissioner Virginia Bell interjected. “If the line of questioning falls outside matters that are properly before me, I will rule the question inadmissible. I have not made that ruling,” she told Ossip. Well, she should have, in my opinion.
She claimed she allowed the Palestinian advocates into the Royal Commission as a matter of “procedural fairness”. She has not explained her rationale on that matter. These groups were not party to the proceedings – until she gave them standing.
Not a good omen 2.