Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWelcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Australia correspondent Nomi Kaltmann joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today’s episode.
WATCH the full episode here:
As Australia’s royal commission into antisemitism nears the end of its two weeks of hearings, Kaltmann describes the emotional evidence given by Jewish Australians and other witnesses and questions whether its findings can shape Australian law, policy and society.
More from The Daily Briefing
September 9, 2026Daily Briefing Sept. 9 - 'As a Jew,' UK's Miliband announces sanctions on settlements
September 8, 2026Daily Briefing Sept. 8: NY anti-Israel activists recycle 'greedy Jewish landlords' trope
September 7, 2026Daily Briefing Sept. 7 - Desalination plant shutdowns break dam on water security risks
September 6, 2026Daily Briefing Sept. 6: Netanyahu has burned bridges. How will that play out at the polls?
September 3, 2026Daily Briefing Sept. 3: Will sanctions succeed against Iran where military force hasn’t?
The royal commission, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese established following the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre in Sydney, is Australia’s highest form of public inquiry, with sweeping powers to compel witnesses and documents.
Kaltmann describes how the hearings have become a rare public forum for Australian Jews to describe how antisemitism has reshaped life in the aftermath of the bloody October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel and the subsequent war against the terror group in Gaza.
She remains uncertain whether the commission’s recommendations will, in actuality, stem the surge of antisemitism that Australian Jews have been witnessing of late.
She notes that the commission hearings have helped raise awareness, but says what is needed isn’t a law or a policy change, but a change in societal attitudes, which isn’t under the commission’s control.
Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.
For further reading:
Giving chilling testimony, Australian Jews unsure antisemitism inquiry can bring change
Australian Jews recount harrowing stories at Bondi massacre inquiry’s 1st public hearing
Australian court overturns law clamping down on protests in wake of Bondi massacre protest law
Australia begins probe of Bondi event targeted by terrorists, antisemitism in country
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.
Check out yesterday’s episode here:
The Times of Israel Community.