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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Comment
Michael Visontay

The royal commission revealed the breadth of antisemitism in Australia – but key opportunities were missed

The Sydney hearings to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Sydney, Monday, May 4, 2026. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING
‘The testimony of lived experience highlighted the extent to which intimidation and victimisation of Jews has permeated virtually every corner of life in this country,’ writes Michael Visontay. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

From the moment the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, belatedly announced the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, he clearly wanted the inquiry to be short and tightly focussed. No detours.

By setting Commissioner Virginia Bell a deadline of December 14 – the anniversary of the Bondi massacre – to deliver her report, the PM signalled he had no appetite for surprises or delays.

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