Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

The APS has lodged its Board-endorsed submission to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. 

In March, members were invited to provide input to inform the APS submission, and we sincerely thank those who contributed their time, expertise and research. 

The perspective articulated in the submission draws on academic literature and social psychology research regarding intergroup dynamics at a societal level, and how they contribute to antisemitism and social cohesion. 

We acknowledge the profound harm, fear and isolation antisemitism causes. We also recognise that social cohesion is shaped by how all communities experience safety, belonging and dignity in Australia. Our submission does not seek to speak on behalf of Jewish Australians with lived experience of antisemitism, and we commend the individuals and communities who have shared their experiences with the Commission.  

The APS submission recommends that governments: 

• Adopt a principled, psychologically informed and trauma-informed framework to guide the design and implementation of interventions to address antisemitism and strengthen social cohesion, recognising lived experience, cumulative impacts, and the need for prevention alongside timely response. 

• Invest in evidence-informed strategies, including structured intergroup engagement, strengthened institutional communication, accessible psychological supports, responsible leadership signalling, promoting accurate, responsible public discourse, inclusive national identity and belonging, and strengthened institutional trust, fairness and accountability. 

View submission