Jewish professor feared ‘terrorist attack’ when protesters occupied office, antisemitism royal commission hears

A Jewish professor at the University of Melbourne expressed fear that a group of pro-Palestine protesters who entered his office might have been carrying out a terrorist attack, according to testimony given to the royal commission investigating antisemitism in Australia. Steven Prawer, a physics professor and academic lead for the university's joint PhD program with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, recounted the incident during the fourth block of hearings held in Melbourne earlier this week. The occupation took place on 9 October 2024, when approximately 20 students, many wearing keffiyehs, hoods, and masks, entered Prawer’s office and remained inside for nearly 90 minutes. They were protesting the university’s academic ties with Israeli institutions following the Hamas attacks on Israel in late September 2023. Prawer, who identifies as a Zionist and regularly wears a kippah, described the situation as deeply unsettling. At the time, he could not determine whether the group was engaged in peaceful protest or a more serious act of violence. Prawer stated that the presence of 20 individuals in a confined space created a markedly different scenario than larger demonstrations occurring outside. He emphasized that while outdoor protests involving many participants did not pose an immediate threat, the intrusion into his private workspace felt highly personal and alarming. “I had no idea at that stage if it was a protest, if it was a terrorist attack,” he said. Following the incident, two of the protesters faced disciplinary action, with recommendations for expulsion and suspension. However, the university’s academic board later overturned the decision after an appeal. This outcome prompted frustration among faculty members, including Prawer, who argued that the university must clearly distinguish between acceptable dissent and unacceptable behavior. “The community needs to hear loudly and clearly that the university tolerates dissent but it doesn’t tolerate misbehaviour,” he said. Prawer added that he still does not know the identities of the protesters, despite employing a private investigator to uncover potential links to Hamas. He stressed the need for transparency and safety, stating that knowing who was involved would help ensure such an incident does not occur again. “For my protection, I should know who these people are,” he said. In response to the incident, the University of Melbourne issued a statement expressing concern over the actions taken by the protesters. Then-vice-chancellor Prof Duncan Maskell called the event “shocked and appalled.” Despite the disciplinary measures initially imposed, the academic board reversed the decision, leading to widespread debate within the university community. Approximately 150 employees and affiliates signed a petition supporting the protesters' right to engage in sit-ins as a form of protest. The royal commission hearings, which continue through the week, focus on the experiences of Jewish students and academics in Australian higher education. Testimonies highlight concerns about rising antisemitism on campuses, particularly in the wake of the 7 October Hamas attacks. Prawer’s account underscores the emotional toll such incidents can take on individuals and their families. A university spokesperson described his testimony as “powerful” and acknowledged the “significant impact” the event had on him and his loved ones. The university affirmed its commitment to supporting Prawer and ensuring he can continue his academic work without harassment or intimidation. Interim vice-chancellor Prof Glyn Davis is set to testify before the commission on Wednesday, adding further insight into the institution’s handling of such issues. Other witnesses have shared similar concerns about the atmosphere on campuses. Paris Enten, a former Monash University student, described how her mental health deteriorated significantly toward the end of her studies. She cited a Holocaust study trip in Europe as a pivotal moment, during which some classmates downplayed the suffering of Jewish victims and participated in inappropriate behavior near Auschwitz. Jeremy Suss, president of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, noted that many undergraduate students arrive on campuses already anxious due to reports of antisemitic incidents circulating in the media and through informal conversations. While he maintains a productive relationship with university leadership, he acknowledges the challenges of navigating hostile environments. His testimony reflects broader anxieties among Jewish students about feeling safe and respected in academic settings.