Adelaide Advertiser | Evangeline Polymeneas | April 21, 2023
A Jewish group has described Adelaide as the “anti-Semitism capital of Australia” after a university chose not to adopt an international definition of anti-Semitism.
The University of Adelaide declined The Australian Jewish Association’s request to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism in a letter received by the group on Thursday.
This comes after a string of “abusive” and “extremist” incidents aimed toward the university’s Jewish students, with some opting to leave the institution completely.
The university defended the decision, saying it already had in place policies refusing to condone or tolerate any form racial vilification and racist behaviour, including bigotry – which it said included anti-Semitism.
Australian Jewish Association president David Adler said the university has a “growing problem” and students “feel unsafe”.
Last year student magazine On Dit published an article which included the phrase “Death to Israel”.
“The student body who tried to defend … what was certainly extremist material, was a wake-up call for us,” Dr Adler said.
“That’s why we raised the idea (to adopt the definition) to the administration.”
Adelaide University’s letter in response to Dr Adler, which was co-signed by Chancellor Catherine Branson and Vice Chancellor Peter Hoj, said the university’s council had considered the matter and “condemned” anti-Semitism as well as other forms of discrimination.
But the letter said the university “proudly encouraged critical thinking and respectful debate”.
“Freedom of speech is a right everyone holds, subject to law. The right to express lawful views about controversial matters is at the heart of a robust democracy,” the letter states.
“It is also the essence of academic freedom.”
Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich called the decision “a slap in the face” of every Adelaide Uni Jewish student.
“This is a kick in the guts of Holocaust survivors who know, more than anyone else, the horrific consequences of unchecked antisemitism,” he said.
“This devastating decision will be felt far beyond South Australia and the ripple effects are chilling. Adelaide University had an opportunity to clearly and resolutely say no to antisemitism in all its expressions and take the community’s concerns seriously.”
Adelaide Holocaust Museum chief executive Kathy Baykitch said it was a “major failure of leadership” that the university didn’t not consult the museum or other SA Jewish organisations.
“It has nothing to do with free speech but verbal abuse and intimidation of students on campus because of their race,” she said.
Adelaide University Jewish Student Society president Jonanthan Iadarola told The Advertiser he has been the victim of abuse by students who have yelled anti-Semitic remarks at him since theOn Dit controversy.
“I was called a dirty Zionist,” he said. “They’ve continued to shout death to Israel.”
Mr Iadarola now rarely attends university on campus, calling the environment “hostile”.
Postgraduate student Grace Tanner decided not to return to campus saying the university was “either unwilling or incapable of addressing the problem”.
The definition of anti-Semitism according to the IHRA is: “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews”.
“Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities,” the definition states.
Mr Iadarola said there was “very little” consultation between the university and Jewish students and staff on whether to adopt this working definition.
“It’s a very disappointing outcome for our community … it’s essentially an F U,” he said of its decision.
A University of Adelaide spokesperson confirmed the university’s council, after consultation with its academic board, had decided not to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
“We remain committed to treating all in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. The University will not tolerate behaviour or conduct that is unlawful or affects the University’s fulfilment of its duty to foster the wellbeing of staff and students,” the spokesperson said.
“Reports of misconduct or inappropriate behaviour are encouraged via the University’s Integrity Unit, or an online report can be made through the Safer Campus Community website.”