By Amelia Gordon
Content Warning: Discussions of antisemitism and Islamophobia
Recently, ANU along with all 39 members of Universities Australia have adopted the Australian Group of Eight’s (Go8) new working definition of antisemitism on Australian university campuses.
The new endorsed definition reads,
“Antisemitism is discrimination, prejudice, harassment, exclusion, vilification, intimidation or violence that impedes Jews’ ability to participate as equals in educational, political, religious, cultural, economic or social life. It can manifest in a range of ways including negative, dehumanising, or stereotypical narratives about Jews. Further, it includes hate speech, epithets, caricatures, stereotypes, tropes, Holocaust denial, and antisemitic symbols. Targeting Jews based on their Jewish identities alone is discriminatory and antisemitic.”
“Criticism of the policies and practices of the Israeli government or state is not in and of itself antisemitic. However, criticism of Israel can be antisemitic when it is grounded in harmful tropes, stereotypes or assumptions and when it calls for the elimination of the State of Israel or all Jews or when it holds Jewish individuals or communities responsible for Israel’s actions. It can be antisemitic to make assumptions about what Jewish individuals think based only on the fact that they are Jewish.”
“All peoples, including Jews, have the right to self-determination. For most, but not all Jewish Australians, Zionism is a core part of their Jewish identity. Substituting the word ‘Zionist’’ for ‘Jew’’ does not eliminate the possibility of speech being antisemitic.”
In August 2024, the Go8 made a formal submission to the Senate Committee to establish an inquiry into anti-Semitism at Australian universities.
The Jewish Council of Australia has strongly opposed the definition, stating, “by categorising Palestinian political expression as inherently antisemitic, it will be unworkable and unenforceable, and stifle critical political debate, which is at the heart of any democratic society.”
“The definition dangerously conflates Jewish identities with support for the state of Israel and the political ideology of Zionism.”
In a statement to senate estimates, Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell stated, “there is no place for racism, discrimination or vilification of any kind at ANU. There is no place for antisemitism or Islamophobia at ANU. I, my executive team, and our community abhor and reject these behaviours totally.”
“This means continuing difficult but respectful conversations, balancing freedom of speech and academic freedom, and also spending time examining our policies and procedures and whether they remain in line with community expectations and Australian law.”
“Where incidents are reported, we take them seriously and investigate them thoroughly and take appropriate action”, Bell stated.
Observer, contacted ANUSA BIPOC Officer Aleeysa Amirizal on the issue, who stated “we will always make it clear that we stand firmly against any sort of islamophobia and antisemitism.”
“These behaviours go directly against our ethos, and if any students have faced this on campus, I do highly encourage that they reach out to me. We have both Muslim and Jewish students that participate in BIPOC Department events, and we shall continue to maintain a safe space for everyone.”
As of January 2025, ten reports of antisemitism have been made on the ANU campus in the past year.
It was stated by a university spokesperson that “The Director of University Experience holds weekly meetings with Jewish student representatives to ensure a communication pathway for ongoing dialogue.”
“These meetings have resulted in actions being taken to ensure our Jewish community is supported.”
They further stated “we also have a multifaith centre used by students from a number of religions which includes washrooms co-designed with ANU Muslim students.”
“ANU will consider the recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights’ Inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities, along with our broader policy settings.”
For Support:
https://www.anu.edu.au/about/strategic-planning/respectanu
Graphics by Will Novak
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