Seeking Truth: Beyond the Surface: Why the Royal Commission into Antisemitism Matters

Faith & Justice

Seeking Truth, Healing Wounds

Headline: Beyond the Surface: Why the Royal Commission into Antisemitism Matters for Our Faith Community

At the heart of the progressive Christian journey is a commitment to "seeking the truth that sets us free." This week, Australia took a difficult but necessary step toward that truth as the Federal Government announced a Royal Commission into Antisemitism.

For too long, many in our community have watched with heavy hearts as rhetoric has sharpened and safety has diminished for our Jewish neighbors. As followers of a faith rooted in the Jewish tradition, we recognize that when one part of the human family suffers from the "festering sore" of hatred, the whole collective is unwell.

A Time for National Introspection

This Royal Commission isn't just about politics or legalities; it is about national introspection. As Michael Borowick, a Labor convenor, poignantly stated, this issue cannot be resolved by hiding behind internal reviews. It requires us to look at the core origins of the issue.

Progressive Christianity calls us to look at systems, not just symptoms. We must ask:

• How have our public discourses allowed dehumanization to take root?
• How do we balance our prophetic call for justice globally with our immediate duty to ensure our neighbors can send their children to school without armed guards?

The Importance of Trust in Leadership

There is currently a debate regarding the appointment of Justice Virginia Bell to lead the commission. While her credentials as a High Court judge are impeccable, voices within the Jewish community have expressed a need for a leader who carries their full confidence.

As a community that values inclusion and listening, we understand that for healing to begin, the process must be trusted by those who have been most harmed. Healing cannot be imposed from the top down; it must be built on a foundation of mutual respect and lived experience.

Our Call to Action

As this Royal Commission unfolds, our role as a progressive faith community is clear:

Lament: We acknowledge the pain, fear, and "unprecedented hate" that has touched the lives of the Jewish community, particularly following the Bondi tragedy.

Listen: We commit to listening to the testimonies that will emerge, even when they challenge our own preconceptions.

Advocate: We support the call for transparency, including the necessity for government officials to be held accountable within the probe’s scope.

The path to "national healing" is rarely comfortable. It requires the courage to face the shadows in our society. But as we move toward the light of justice, we do so with the hope that this inquiry will not just provide answers, but will pave the way for a more compassionate and unified Australia.

Published on January 8, 2026 | Seeking Justice, Walking Humbly