FAQ
What is antisemitism?
Antisemitism is prejudice, hostility, or discrimination directed at Jewish people because they are Jewish. It can appear in many forms, including verbal abuse, threats, exclusion, harassment, vandalism, or physical violence.
Antisemitism may target individuals, groups, institutions, or the Jewish community more broadly. It can occur in public or private settings such as workplaces, schools, universities, online spaces, cultural institutions, or places of worship.
In some cases, antisemitism is expressed through conspiracy theories, stereotypes, or by holding Jewish people collectively responsible for actions of others. While antisemitism can overlap with political speech, it crosses into discrimination or hate when it targets Jewish identity, safety, or equal participation in society.
Is antisemitism unlawful?
Some forms of antisemitism are unlawful under Australian law, depending on the conduct and the context in which it occurs.
Antisemitic behaviour may breach laws relating to racial discrimination, vilification, harassment, workplace conduct, education standards, criminal offences, or public safety. Unlawful conduct can include serious harassment, threats, incitement of hatred, or discrimination that interferes with a person’s rights or opportunities.
Not all antisemitic behaviour will meet the legal threshold for unlawful conduct, even if it is harmful or distressing. Determining whether the law has been breached depends on the specific facts of each situation. Legal advice can help clarify what options may be available.
How do I file a complaint?
If you have experienced or witnessed antisemitism, you may be able to take steps to report or address it. The appropriate pathway depends on what happened and where it occurred.
This may include reporting the incident to a relevant authority such as an employer, educational institution, service provider, online platform, regulator, or, in some cases, the police. It is often helpful to keep records, screenshots, messages, dates, and any other relevant information.
You can also contact Jewish Centre for Law & Justice to seek confidential legal guidance. JCLJ can help you understand your rights, assess whether the conduct may be unlawful, and explain possible next steps. All requests for legal assistance are handled in strict confidence.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
Laws and legal obligations vary depending on the circumstances. If you are affected by antisemitism or discrimination, you may wish to seek independent legal advice or contact Jewish Centre for Law & Justice for confidential guidance.