Senate enquiry into Antisemitism on Australian Campuses – Have Your Say

1. Introduction to the Inquiry

The Australian Senate is investigating antisemitism at universities through the Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 (No. 2). This inquiry seeks to examine antisemitic behaviour on campuses and propose measures to address it. However, there are concerns that this inquiry will blur the lines between genuine antisemitism and critical views on Israeli government policies, particularly regarding Palestine.

The Jewish Council of Australia (JCA) has warned that conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism will silence voices advocating for Palestinian rights and undermine efforts to combat real antisemitism. It is vital that the inquiry considers diverse perspectives and avoids stifling critical discourse.

2. Consequences and Implications

Free Speech: Failing to distinguish between criticism of Israel and antisemitism will restrict free speech, impacting academic and activist environments. This will suppress other forms of dissent and undermine democratic principles.
Academic Freedom: Pressure to discipline those who criticise Israel will reduce the diversity of viewpoints in academia, limiting open discussion and intellectual growth that is essential in educational settings.
Social Unity and Safety: Conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism will deepen societal divisions and endanger Jewish communities. Effective opposition to antisemitism must include a broader anti-racism approach that addresses all forms of bigotry.
Civil Liberties: The inquiry’s outcomes will set precedents that could lead to broader restrictions on civil liberties, such as limitations on protests and increased surveillance of activist groups.
Australia’s Global Standing: The inquiry will impact Australia’s global standing, particularly in light of recent International Court of Justice rulings on Israel’s occupation. Missteps will harm Australia’s reputation and international relations.

3. How to Make a Submission

Making a submission to the Senate Inquiry is an important way to express your concerns and contribute to the discussion on antisemitism and free speech at Australian universities. Your submission can be any length, even as short as a paragraph. Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare and submit your contribution:

Introduce Yourself:
- Start by briefly introducing yourself. Mention your background (e.g., student, academic, concerned citizen) and explain your interest in the issue. This helps establish your perspective and the relevance of your submission.
State Your Position:
- Clearly state that you are making a submission in response to the inquiry on antisemitism at universities. Express your concern about the potential adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and its impact on free speech and academic freedom.
Main Arguments:
- Oppose the IHRA Definition: The IHRA definition of antisemitism conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, stifling free speech and academic debate.
- Support for Palestinian Rights: Advocating for Palestinian rights and opposing Zionism is not antisemitic. There are many examples of Jewish organisations and individuals who are critical of Israeli policies while advocating for Palestinian rights.
- Impact on Free Speech: Adopting the IHRA definition will have negative effects on free speech and academic freedom. It could suppress important discussions on Israel-Palestine issues on university campuses.
- Increased Division and Polarisation: Adopting a narrow definition of antisemitism will increase division and polarisation on campuses, and endanger Jewish safety. Combating antisemitism effectively requires working in partnership with other groups facing bigotry and discrimination and fighting all forms of racism, including Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism.
- Historical Context: There is a long history of Jewish dissent against Zionism and it is important to allow diverse Jewish voices to be heard without being labelled antisemitic.
Provide Supporting Evidence:
- Include relevant evidence to support your arguments. This could be data on the effects of the IHRA definition where it has been implemented, personal testimonies, or references to international legal standards. Citing the ICJ ruling and other legal frameworks can strengthen your submission.
Share Personal Experiences:
- If relevant, share your own experiences with how anti-Zionism is treated on university campuses or how the IHRA definition has impacted discussions around Israel and Palestine. Personal stories can be powerful in illustrating the real-world effects of these policies.
Conclusion:
- Sum up your submission by reiterating the importance of distinguishing between antisemitism and legitimate political critique of Israel and Zionism. Call on the inquiry to carefully consider these distinctions to avoid unintended consequences that may harm free speech and academic freedom.

4. Submission Guidelines

Submissions must be made by Friday 23 August 2024.
You can submit your response online via the Parliamentary Inquiry’s Submission Page.