Approximately 80 per cent of Jewish women in Australia have experienced antisemitism personally or against an immediate family member within the last two years, according to evidence presented to a royal commission.
The data stems from a survey conducted by the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia between July 2025 and February 2026, in which more than 600 people shared their experiences. The findings were presented to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, an inquiry established following the Bondi terror attack.
Widespread Hostility and Violence
The survey revealed that 81 per cent of respondents, or their relatives, have experienced antisemitism since October 7, 2023, the date Hamas launched a coordinated assault on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages.
Physical and verbal abuse were reported by 20 per cent of respondents or their relatives. 69 per cent of those surveyed stated they had been called “genocidal” because they identified as Jewish, Israeli, or Zionist.
Personal testimonies highlighted the severity of these encounters. One respondent described being screamed at by a nurse at a Queensland hospital who told her she “didn’t deserve care” because she is Jewish. Another woman reported that her high school child was “spat on, punched in the chest, held down, choked and shouted at.”
The Impact of Denial and Social Division
Shirley Leader, vice president of the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia, told the commission that the denial of sexual assaults against Jewish women during the October 7 attacks has been “particularly harmful.”
Ms. Leader noted that this denial often originates from the “women’s sector” and “so-called feminists in so-called progressive spaces” in Australia. She stated that the solidarity of the women’s movement toward Jewish women has been “absolutely trashed” by those who mock or question reports of sexual abuse.
The survey further indicated that more than 50 per cent of respondents had heard claims that the October 7 attacks were “justified” or never occurred.
Calls for Systemic Reform
Michele Goldman, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, testified that her organization had to significantly increase support for the community following the October 7 attacks and the subsequent Bondi terror attack.
Ms. Goldman shared an account of a 10-year-old boy who was “pinned to the ground and punched” by a student who described Adolf Hitler as his “idol.” She noted that it took “many months” to secure a meeting with school leadership to address the incident.
While the school eventually agreed to teacher training and excursions to the Sydney Holocaust Museum, Ms. Goldman warned that the Board of Deputies lacks the resources to respond to every report. She told the commission that “a more systemic solution is needed.”
Looking Ahead
The royal commission is currently in its second week of public hearings, having already heard from dozens of individuals with lived experience. Some sessions remain closed to the public due to ongoing criminal proceedings and national security concerns.
Based on the testimony provided, the commission may consider recommending broader institutional mandates for teacher training and healthcare accountability. It’s also possible that the inquiry will examine the role of progressive social movements in fostering or combating antisemitism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducted the research on Jewish women in Australia?
The research was a survey conducted by the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia between July 2025 and February 2026.
What percentage of survey respondents reported being called “genocidal”?
69 per cent of respondents said they had been called genocidal because they self-identified as Jewish, Israeli, or Zionist.
What specific systemic issue did Michele Goldman highlight?
Ms. Goldman highlighted the lack of resources to respond to all community reports of antisemitism and the difficulty in securing timely meetings with school leadership following attacks on students.
Do you believe systemic institutional changes are the most effective way to combat targeted hate in schools and hospitals?
