Universities in Australia Are Advancing Antisemitism, Author Argues
Antisemitism is on the rise at Australian universities, creating an increasingly hostile environment for Jewish students. In an opinion piece for The Media Line, Romy Leibler argues that the government has not done enough to address this issue, allowing universities to become hotbeds of radical ideology and anti-Israel sentiment. While recent incidents—including the suspension of two Sydney hospital workers for threatening Israeli patients—have drawn national attention, Leibler contends that deeper institutional failures must be addressed.
The problem is not confined to isolated acts of hate. In recent months, synagogues have been firebombed, Jewish homes have been defaced with antisemitic graffiti, and authorities have uncovered explosives alongside a list of targets in Sydney. While the government has criminalized Nazi symbols and gestures, Leibler argues that universities remain a key source of antisemitic rhetoric, with faculty members openly promoting hostility toward Israel and Jewish students.
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One of the most controversial examples cited in the piece is Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah of Macquarie University, who received a government grant despite her vocal support for Hamas. After public outrage, Australian officials launched a review of her activities, but Leibler suggests this response was long overdue.
With universities receiving significant public funding, Leibler believes they should be held accountable for fostering a climate of hostility. He calls for Australia to take stronger measures, similar to the US, where President Donald Trump has pushed for expelling foreign students who support terrorist organizations.
Read Romy Leibler’s full opinion piece on The Media Line for a deeper look at this pressing issue.
