Unis lacked 'trauma-informed' care around Hamas-Israel war, royal commission hears
News Source
β’Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:16:43 +0000
π° What Happened
University leaders have admitted they failed to protect Jewish students during the Hamas-Israel war. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion heard evidence this week. One university asked a student to provide death certificates for relatives killed by Israeli forces. This was seen as a lack of 'trauma-informed' care.
Dr Mary Russell from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Authority said academics did not support students in a reasonable way. She said the lack of understanding and care was 'so significant and important and so pervasive'. The commission has been looking at how universities handled protests and tensions on campus.
π The Backstory
The war between Hamas and Israel started in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza. The conflict sparked huge protests around the world, including on Australian university campuses. Students and staff were deeply divided over the issue.
Many Jewish students said they felt unsafe on campus during pro-Palestinian protests. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism was set up to look into these issues. University leaders now accept they could have done more to protect Jewish students. The challenge is balancing free speech with the safety of all students.
π― Why It Matters
This matters because university should be a safe place for all students. If Jewish students do not feel safe or supported on campus, it affects their education and well-being.
University leaders have admitted they failed to protect Jewish students during the Hamas-Israel war. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion heard evidence this week. One university asked a student to provide death certificates for relatives killed by Israeli forces. This was seen as a lack of 'trauma-informed' care.
Dr Mary Russell from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Authority said academics did not support students in a reasonable way. She said the lack of understanding and care was 'so significant and important and so pervasive'. The commission has been looking at how universities handled protests and tensions on campus.
The war between Hamas and Israel started in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza. The conflict sparked huge protests around the world, including on Australian university campuses. Students and staff were deeply divided over the issue.
Many Jewish students said they felt unsafe on campus during pro-Palestinian protests. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism was set up to look into these issues. University leaders now accept they could have done more to protect Jewish students. The challenge is balancing free speech with the safety of all students.
This matters because university should be a safe place for all students. If Jewish students do not feel safe or supported on campus, it affects their education and well-being.