A Jewish woman from Sydney has recounted to the antisemitism royal commission how everyday life has changed for her and her three children, describing a pervasive fear of being targeted for their faith.
Children Internalise Antisemitism
Dina, whose surname was not disclosed, told the commission that her children have internalised a new reality. 'They hear antisemitism around them all the time … they see the stickers, they see the graffiti, they know about Bondi. It’s become part of their psyche,' she said.
She recalled a distressing moment when her eight-year-old daughter cried and said, 'Now when I come to Bondi, I think about dying.' The mother added, 'They came to kill us – we just weren't there.'
Increased Sense of Danger
The witness expressed that her family feels history is repeating itself, referencing the heightened sense of danger among Jewish Australians. The royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion is exploring these issues, including the impact of the Bondi beach terror attack.
Dina’s testimony highlights the deep psychological toll on children growing up in an environment of rising antisemitism, with fears that extend beyond physical safety to their mental well-being.
