Can Australia rebuild social cohesion? Inquiry hears calls for change

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion concluded its ninth and final block of hearings this week, with experts, advocates, and community leaders emphasizing the urgent need for stronger social cohesion and action against antisemitism. The commission, established in response to the December 2025 Bondi terror attack, is set to release its final report in December. Over four days of testimony, commissioners heard concerns about declining satisfaction with democracy, social media polarization, racism, self-censorship, and the erosion of relationships between religious and cultural communities. Participants called for measures to break the cycle of division, including improved education about Jewish Australians, better recognition of migrant qualifications, and more effective strategies to combat prejudice. A Jewish Australian woman described how her childcare center uses traditional practices to teach preschoolers about shared human values. She explained that weekly challah baking sessions allow children to engage with Jewish customs while exploring commonalities across cultures. The activity involves shaping dough into forms and distributing freshly baked loaves to families. “It’s a very distinct Jewish tradition,” she noted, “but the values underneath that are something we all share, the idea of sharing food with family.” She emphasized that such initiatives provide a tangible example of how early exposure to diverse perspectives can build bridges rather than walls. Two individuals behind the Brave Conversations initiative outlined their approach to equipping university students with tools to handle difficult discussions. Cognitive scientist Farid Zaid described the program as stemming from a desire to help students differentiate between emotional distress and intellectual discomfort. He highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, noting that learning often requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone. “When disagreement is done well,” he said, “it’s a wonderful opportunity for connection, for learning, for growth, for innovation.” Israeli and Palestinian historian Daniel Heller added that the Brave Conversations workshops are designed to encourage thoughtful engagement with complex societal issues. He stressed that many of the tensions affecting Australian society stem from irreconcilable conflicts, which will not disappear overnight. “We try to shift the aim to be thinking about how we navigate tensions wisely together,” he said. The initiative focuses on fostering respectful discourse, ensuring participants understand that meaningful progress requires patience and persistence. Rabbi Zalman Kastel, founder of the educational not-for-profit Together for Humanity, spoke about the organization’s efforts to promote interfaith understanding in schools. He noted that the group’s success stems from its political neutrality and inclusivity, allowing members of all backgrounds to participate freely. “That resonates and moves young people very strongly,” he said, citing examples such as Muslim women discussing antisemitism or Jewish rabbis addressing Islamophobia. However, he acknowledged that recent events, particularly the attack on Israel by Hamas, have led to a noticeable decline in interfaith activities, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining open channels of communication. Commissioner Virginia Bell, overseeing the inquiry, received input on potential reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and reducing polarization. Professors Nicholas Biddle and Matthew Gray from the Australian National University discussed findings showing that satisfaction with democracy has fallen to its lowest level since January 2023. They warned that without addressing the role of social media in spreading distrust and extremist narratives, efforts to counter antisemitism would remain incomplete. Gray suggested targeted interventions, especially for younger Australians with lower educational attainment, might yield better results than broad-based campaigns. He urged greater transparency and accountability in government and public communications to restore trust in democratic processes. Meanwhile, Australian businessman David Gonski mentioned that his Antisemitism Education Taskforce is reviewing a proposal to enhance the recognition of migrant qualifications. Many skilled immigrants face underemployment due to unacknowledged credentials, leading to friction within communities. Gonski acknowledged the merit of the suggestion but noted the task force had yet to reach a final decision. He underscored the complexity of balancing economic needs with social harmony, acknowledging that solutions must consider both professional integration and community well-being.