‘Jews not allowed': SafeWork savages Sydney University over antisemitism on campus
It said antisemitic activism on campus consisted of student activist groups.
In one example, which occurred during the orientation week for new students, it said a stand run by the Australian Union of Jewish Students was approached by three women who aggressively ripped the Israeli flag off the stall desk, in front of four Jewish volunteers, causing items to fall off the table.
'They put the flag in the nearby rubbish bin, took a photo of it and then left,' the report said.
It noted that inside a passageway known as the graffiti tunnel, there were Israeli flags with a red circle and line across the middle with words, 'zio punks', 'Gaza will be free'. There were 'Nazi Germany' swastika stickers painted on walls of the tunnel as well graffiti stating 'Israel has no right to exist'.
Other examples included Palestinian activists using a megaphone chanting 'there is only one solution, intifada revolution' – interpreted by Jewish workers and students as a reference to Nazi Germany.
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Noticeboards around campus promoted the organising of a 'student intifada'. There were also posters which said: 'Between us and them are mountains of paradise, hatred, blood, wailing and long-lasting revenge'.
Southern Cross University associate professor Andy Smidt, who left Sydney University in February 2024, made the original complaint and said she felt vindicated by its findings. She is still an adjunct associate professor at Sydney.
'The idea that we are seen, we are heard. It was absolutely vindicating,' she said.
'There's a perception that the Jews on campus were whingeing … Someone external to the university could see clearly that the atmosphere was toxic.'
SafeWork NSW did not respond to questions about why a full investigation was not carried out.
Sydney University's senior deputy vice-chancellor and provost Annamarie Jagose said throughout the significant challenges of last year, the institution 'took a strong stance against antisemitism and decisive action to stand firmly against hate in all forms'.
'We've implemented new measures and complaints related to antisemitism have declined substantially over the last 12 months – but we know even a single complaint is one too many,' she said.
'We've co-operated fully with SafeWork NSW's inquiries and appreciate the care they've taken in examining this matter, as well as the consideration they've given to activities on campus since October 7, 2023 and how we've managed resulting events and risks.'
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