The Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion is set to conduct its inaugural public hearings in Sydney from May 4 to 15, focusing on the definition and contemporary manifestations of anti-Semitism in Australia. The commission, which was formally established in February, follows the Bondi Beach terror attack in December, where two gunmen allegedly killed 15 people and injured numerous others at a Hanukkah celebration.

The forthcoming hearings will explore both historical and modern forms of anti-Semitism, incorporating testimonies from individuals who have directly experienced anti-Semitic conduct. The commission aims to assess the prevalence of anti-Semitism across Australian society and institutions, drawing on incident reports and survey data to inform its findings.

Commissioner Virginia Bell emphasized the importance of hearing firsthand accounts to deepen the understanding of anti-Semitism’s impact on Jewish Australians. She expressed gratitude to those who have already submitted their stories, highlighting their crucial contribution to the commission’s work.

The hearings will be accessible to the public through a livestream on the commission’s website, with a limited number of seats available for in-person attendance. Additionally, both individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit evidence relating to the commission’s terms of reference via the website.

In a notable development last month, Dennis Richardson resigned from his role as special adviser to the royal commission. Richardson had been appointed to provide expertise on intelligence and security matters, particularly assessing the readiness of agencies to counter terrorist threats. His advisory input is expected to be reflected in the commission’s interim report, scheduled for release at the end of April.

Commissioner Bell is slated to present the final report on December 14, marking one year since the Bondi Beach attack. The commission’s findings and recommendations are anticipated to influence policies addressing anti-Semitism and social cohesion in Australia.