Commissioner rebukes claim pro-Palestinian groups tried to 'hijack' hearing
The royal commission on antisemitism has hit back at comments from a prominent member of the Jewish community who accused pro-Palestinian groups of attempting to "hijack" the inquiry using "clickbait theatrics and gratuitous slurs".
Commissioner Virginia Bell has challenged claims that pro-Palestinian groups sought to "hijack" the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip testified about the impact of a controversial protest on the Jewish community. During questioning by counsel from pro-Palestinian groups, Ossip faced criticism for what the counselor deemed as a lack of sensitivity.
Commissioner Bell stated that Ms. Mathur, representing the pro-Palestinian groups, did not "hijack" the commission. She emphasized that Ms. Mathur's questioning was limited to a specific paragraph of Ossip's testimony, and that Ossip could not comment on the death toll of Palestinians during the conflict. The Commissioner also addressed Islamophobic comments made by a prominent Jewish community member, stating that such attacks do not reflect well on those making them.
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