Palestinian heritage perspective on the Royal Commission

Submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Submitted 2 June 2026. Identity withheld at the submitter's request for security reasons; writer is known to the Australian Cohesion Forum team.

As an Australian citizen of Palestinian heritage and a moderate Muslim, I am concerned about the growing divisions within Australian society and the impact that rising antisemitism is having on social cohesion. Throughout my life, I have generally enjoyed positive relationships with members of the Jewish community. However, in recent years I have observed increasing fear, mistrust, and suspicion. The rise in antisemitic incidents, together with what many perceive as an inadequate response from government, has left many Jewish Australians feeling vulnerable. At the same time, it has also affected moderate Muslims and Palestinians who reject extremism and wish to live peacefully alongside all Australians.

Personally, I have noticed that some Jewish people have become more cautious around those of Palestinian or Muslim background. Friends who know me personally understand my values and character, but broader community relationships have become more strained. This is deeply disappointing because the actions of extremists should not be allowed to damage relationships between ordinary Australians.

A key issue is the failure to effectively challenge extremist influences within some parts of the community. Moderate Muslims often find themselves sidelined while more radical voices receive disproportionate attention and influence. In some religious settings, I have witnessed rhetoric that does not openly attack Jewish people but uses framing, selective narratives, and coded language that can foster negative perceptions. While often subtle in public, these messages can contribute to prejudice and division. Moderate Muslims who reject such views are frequently left feeling unrepresented and concerned about the direction of community discourse.

I believe it is important for the Commission to recognise that antisemitism ultimately harms multiple communities. When extremist ideologies are allowed to spread unchecked, trust between communities deteriorates and social cohesion suffers. Addressing antisemitism therefore requires not only protecting Jewish Australians, but also strengthening moderate community leadership, challenging all forms of extremism, and creating opportunities for constructive engagement between Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, and broader Australian communities.

Australia has long been a successful multicultural society. Preserving that success requires a clear commitment to combating extremism, protecting vulnerable communities, and supporting those who seek coexistence rather than division.