University officials to be grilled over anti-Semitism

University vice-chancellors will face a grilling from the royal commission probing anti-Semitism, as representatives from Australia’s highest ranked institution prepare to be the first to give evidence.

The University of Melbourne’s Glyn Davis, who is interim vice-chancellor, will appear at the royal commission’s public hearing on Wednesday.

Professor Davis’ attendance will follow the damning testimony a day prior given by Jewish academic Steven Prawer, who had his campus office broken into and occupied by protesters in 2024.

“We reaffirm our commitment to a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all and acknowledge the important work of the Royal Commission,” a statement from Melbourne University reads.

“As a diverse university community, we must come together and stand united in our continued efforts to eradicate hate and discrimination in all forms.”

A former Israeli soldier told the inquiry he had been “rushed” at during university protests when he tried to speak with students.

Yotam Barazani, a 29-year-old cybersecurity professional attended a pro-Palestine encampment at Deakin University in May 2024, holding a sign that read: “I want peace for all. Let’s talk”. 

He said he was pushed to the ground and had his sign taken. 

“I thought I’d be clever and there was a sign of theirs (the protesters) next to me,” he said.

“I picked it up with the hope to say: ‘Hey, give me back my sign and I’ll give you back yours, but that could not come to fruition because the moment I touched the signed, I got rushed by what seemed ot be 20 to 30 protesters.”

Mr Barazani grew up in Israel and spent two years as a paratrooper for the Israeli military before he was employed as a sessional tutor in Australia.

The Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion is spending a week hearing from university staff and students about their experiences of hatred, along with trying to untangle hate speech from legitimate criticism of Israel.