Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion Updates
May 27 - Following the first block of lived experience hearings at the Royal Commission, Dor’s Research & Policy team identified an emerging trend of targeted online hate directed at witnesses.
The team subsequently analysed more than 1,000 comments and posts, including examples of serious abuse and intimidation. This was a whole-of-community effort undertaken in collaboration with Jewish representative bodies and relevant authorities.
The most egregious posts and comments targeting witnesses were referred to the Commission. Commissioner Bell made strong remarks about this harassment and intimidation and said that at least one matter had been referred to the Australian Federal Police for investigation.
View the significant national media coverage, including in The Australian, ABC News, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, The Nightly, News.com.au, and The Australian Jewish News.
May 11 - Our CEO, Tahli Blicblau, Gave Evidence.
In her evidence Tahli outlined a four-dimensional framework used for assessing contemporary antisemitism in Australia, measuring: Incidents (antisemitic actions), Discourse (antisemitic language), Sentiments (antisemitic beliefs and attitudes), and Communal Perception (Jewish Australians’ sense of safety, inclusion, and belonging).
Her evidence noted that Australia is following a global trend of increasing antisemitism, with a marked rise in both the quantity and severity of incidents since 7 October, reinforcing the need for coordinated monitoring and response across all four dimensions.
May 4 - Live Hearings Begin.
Watch live: https://asc.royalcommission.gov.au
Read our CEO, Tahli Blicblau’s Op-ed (featured in the Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Courier Mail and The Advertiser), which reflects on what the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is about to hear, examines the interim report, and reminds us that the silences in the record may speak just as loudly as the words, “Words that should put a stop to the hatred.”
May 3 - Read the Joint Statement from Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA), The Dor Foundation, Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) ahead of the live hearings, which starts on May 4, JEWISH AUSTRALIANS TO SPEAK AS ROYAL COMMISSION OPENS
The National Night of Storytelling brought together more than 2,000 people across every state and territory, gathering in homes to write submissions alongside friends, family and people they trust.
30 April - Royal Commission interim report released.
Read Dor’s Press Release, “The Dor Foundation welcomes Royal Commission interim report and calls for immediate action.”
Supporting an Evidence-Led Response.
Advocacy from Dor’s Guardians, alongside leaders across sectors and communities nationwide, contributed to the growing momentum that led to the establishment of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, announced on 15 January 2026.
Central to this was our Chair, Josh Frydenberg, whose visit to Bondi and powerful, deeply moving address became a defining moment in that momentum. Capturing both the nation's grief and its resolve, his words helped galvanise calls for the urgent action needed to prevent future tragedy.
“The massacre at Bondi is the greatest stain on our nation. I’m here to mourn but I’m also here to warn. Unless our governments, Federal and State, take urgent, unprecedented and strong action, as night follows day, we will be back grieving the loss of innocent life in another terrorist attack in our country.”
The Hon. Josh Frydenberg,
Bondi, 17 December 2025
Dor is working together with peak Jewish communal organisations on a coordinated response to the Royal Commission. We continue to make submissions to the Commission, providing evidence to help shape its findings.
Dor is also facilitating a joint community initiative: ShareYourStory, an initiative ensuring every Australian has the tools and confidence to contribute to this historic process, regardless of how significant their experience may feel.
Your story can shape Australia’s future.
A Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion is underway. It is a critical opportunity to build a clear national picture and drive meaningful change.
Dor is working with partners across Australia to ensure the evidence, insight and lived experiences needed are captured and acted on.
Submissions open now.
