Almost two-thirds of Jewish university students say they have experienced anti-Semitism on campus, while some are avoiding going to university in person out of fear of vilification, a survey commissioned by peak Jewish bodies has revealed.
The nationwide survey by the Zionist Federation of Australia and the Australasian Union of Jewish Students found 64 per cent of Jewish students surveyed had experienced at least one incident of anti-Semitism during their time at university, which included Holocaust denialism.
Of the almost 600 students surveyed, more than half confirmed they had hidden their Jewish identify on campus to avoid anti-Semitism.
Only 14 per cent submitted complaints about anti-Semitic behaviour levelled against them.
“Avoiding campus at times, due to the anti-Semitic behaviour of others, was a reality for some. This preventive action was reported by 19 per cent of students surveyed,” the report stated.
AUJS NSW public affairs officer, Rachel Palmer, said the degree of anti-Semitism experienced by Jewish students was the worst she had seen in her five years at university.
She blamed the increase on the renewed focus on Israel and Palestine in the public debate.
Ms Palmer said there were also growing clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Jewish groups like AUJS on campuses across the country.
Read the article by Sarah Ison in The Australian.