By Ryan Bourke and Hannah Farrow.
Content Warning: anti-semitism, hate speech.
Wednesday night’s ANUSA AGM saw over 500 people attend via Zoom. While the controversial debate about ANUSA, the pro-Palestinan encampment, and the experience of Jewish people on campus ensued, videos and screen recordings quickly emerged showing attendees allegedly performing anti-Semitic gestures.
In one video, a student is alleged to be performing a Hitler moustache gesture.
A separate allegation that a nazi salute was performed by a second student has been denied, and this article has been amended to reflect this.
Observer understands that the student who allegedly performed the gesture with the Hitler impersonation was immediately removed from Zoom by ANUSA.
Observer has approached ANUSA President Phoenix O’Neill (They/them) for comment. ANUSA has previously stated “We unequivocally condemn antisemitism and islamophobia and stand in solidarity with all of those affected by this crisis.”
Joe Hadassin is the Federal Treasurer of the Australian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS). He says he hopes people will now understand the level of harassment that Jewish students are facing on campus.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of students and they are horrified, disgusted and upset. But they weren’t surprised. Now that it is caught on camera we hope that action will finally be taken to rectify the [alleged] anti-Semitism we continue to experience on campus.”
Hadassin says he and other Jewish leaders on campus are currently engaging in discussions with ANU Security.
Mia Kline, ACT Co-President of AUJS also condemned the gestures.
“The [alleged] behaviours that were observed by Jewish students last night on the ANUSA AGM garnered severe fear and intimidation amongst our community. The behaviours which have caused hurt are not confirmed, yet if their intention was to promote Holocaust imagery, Jewish students on campus firmly dispute their place on university campuses and within the discussions of this war in Israel.”
“That is how Jewish students are now. Misunderstood, intimidated and betrayed.”
When asked about the atmosphere in the meeting, she stated that “an AGM is intended to be a democratic forum where all voices are to be heard. Equally. Jewish students felt like they had their voices taken away from them last night.”
Kline affirmed that she would like to see “firmer university action to support Jewish students in this incredibly tough and complex time”.
Multiple students have told Observer that they have or are in the process of reporting the alleged gestures to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Under new laws that came into force on January 8, it is illegal in Australia to perform hate symbols. The same legislation also outlaws the endorsement or praising of acts of terrorism.
A spokesperson for A.C.T policing clarified that “No reports regarding alleged racist behaviour have been received recently,”
“ACT Policing supports a tolerant and inclusive society and encourages anyone who is the victim of racial vilification to report this [alleged] crime to police on 131 444.”, he added.
A spokesperson from ANU told Observer that the university is aware of the incident, and will now investigate it “in accordance with the University’s existing processes and take appropriate action as required.”
“ANUSA is a student-led and independent organisation and the annual general meeting was ANUSA’s responsibility to manage. However, as the incident seems to involve ANU students, the University is investigating this matter.”
“To be clear, any racism or hate speech, including anti-Semitism, is unacceptable at ANU. The University acts swiftly if such behaviour occurs.”
More to come.
- This article was amended to remove the photos of the individuals referenced.
- An earlier version of this article noted that a student was alleged to have performed a nazi salute. This article has now been amended to reflect that this allegation has been denied and that there is no evidence of any such intention.
Graphic by Will Novak.
Support Services and Contacts
Access and Inclusion: 02 6125 5036 or [email protected]
ANU Counselling: 02 6125 2211or 02 6178 0455 or [email protected]
ANU Student and Wellbeing: 02 6125 2211 or [email protected] or visit the Health and Wellbeing Centre
ANU Health: 02 6125 3598 or 02 6178 0400
ANU 24/7 Crisis Support Line: Call 1300 05 0327 or Text 0488 884 170
Access Mental Health (ACT): 1800 629 354
Lifeline: 13 11 14
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