NFAW has made a submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion on the role played by gender inequality as one of the underlying preconditions for extremism and the breakdown of social cohesion.
The gendered aspects of antisemitism and social cohesion take several different forms. Firstly, the individual experience of antisemitism can be significantly affected by the intersection between Jewish identity and gender, along with and other dimensions of discrimination, such as race, age, disability and sexuality. Secondly, antisemitic discourse often genders Jewish people in ways which reinforce patriarchal norms while contributing to the othering of Jewish people. Thirdly, research is increasingly identifying misogyny and anti-feminist politics as a key gateway to, and unifier of, extremist movements and a common thread running through almost all right-wing ideology, including antisemitic narratives. Finally, improving gender equality within a community has been demonstrated to play an important role in securing and defending social cohesion and strengthening community resilience.
NFAW expresses our deepest condolences to all those affected by the shocking terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025 and welcomes this Royal Commission as a positive step towards highlighting and addressing antisemitism in Australia. We also acknowledge that for many Australians, these tragic events have occurred in a broader context of international conflict and human rights abuses. We extend our heartfelt condolences and solidarity to all Australians affected by abuses of human rights in Israel and Gaza, particularly to those who have lost loved ones, whether Israeli or Palestinian. We reiterate that respect for the human rights of all people is of paramount importance.