Beneath the Bondi royal commission's calm surface lies a deep tension

The antisemitism royal commission has been far from a high-stakes courtroom drama. Commissioner Virginia Bell has maintained a low-key presence, occasionally stepping in with sharp observations but generally acting as a gentle guide through the proceedings. The inquiry has laid bare the emotional turmoil faced by Jewish Australians in the wake of the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Many witnesses shared harrowing tales of racist abuse since October 7, but the commission has not extensively delved into the aftermath of the conflict.

David Ossip, representing the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, became the first witness to address the Gaza war directly during a cross-examination by Dominic Toomey SC. Ossip expressed shock at the timing of a protest called by the Palestine Action Group (PAG), claiming it was insensitive given the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.

However, Bell quickly dismissed his concerns. Outside the commission, the judges faced criticism from various Jewish leaders for allowing the lawyers to "hijack" proceedings. The commission's testimony has revealed the contentious line between legitimate discourse on Zionism and Israel's actions, and antisemitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, accused the ABC and SBS of disproportionately focusing on the Gaza war and giving undue attention to anti-Israel perspectives, thereby contributing to the rise in antisemitism.

Despite the testimony highlighting the deep-seated divisions, the commission's task of defining what constitutes antisemitism remains complex and emotionally charged.