‘Utter darkness’ of antisemitism must be examined, says Melbourne archbishop
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has joined the growing numbers calling for a federal inquiry into antisemitism, but stopped short of advocating for a royal commission.
One of Australia’s most senior Catholics has stressed that the church did not want its call for an inquiry into antisemitism in Australia to be politicised, while urging the government to undertake a deeper examination of how the ancient hatred has spread through the nation.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has stopped short of advocating for a royal commission wanted by the families of victims, a call now supported by the Business Council of Australia, over 100 captains of industry, more than 200 judges and barristers, the Coalition, and two of Albanese’s backbenchers.
Melbourne’s Catholic archbishop, Peter Comensoli, says a national inquiry into antisemitism is needed.Credit: Joe Armao
Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli said on Friday the bishops did not want to suggest what form an inquiry takes, but said Australia needed to examine how the “utter darkness” of antisemitism had become ingrained in some parts of society.
“Many voices now are calling for some serious inquiry, and I think that the government might be able to hear that and respond in a positive way. I think [that] would be a significant move,” Comensoli said.
“There is importance that this is not politicised, but that there is a deep call for an examination and ways of naming and then addressing [antisemitism].”
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He said antisemitism had “exploded” since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, but had been present in Australian society for considerably longer.
The religious leaders were joined on Friday by the Business Council of Australia (BCA), which leant its weight to calls for a royal commission following an open letter from eminent industry figures urging the inquiry be launched.
The BCA said a royal commission was essential to supporting diverse workplaces and would show the world Australia was serious about tackling antisemitism.