Australians need better understanding of Holocaust, professor tells inquiry

A Monash University professor has stressed the critical need for improved Holocaust education in Australia, speaking at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Professor David Slucki, who established the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism (MIRRA), argued that a fundamental understanding of Jewish Australians is essential to grasp the underlying causes of antisemitism and the anxieties it generates.

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If you can't understand that, you can't understand what lies at the heart of people's anger and angst.

Slucki explained that generational trauma significantly impacts Jewish communities, and understanding this historical context is key to comprehending their distress. He emphasized the role of Holocaust teachings in shaping Jewish identity and perspectives, noting that many Australian Jews are descendants of survivors. This shared history profoundly influences their lives and outlook, though he cautioned against making assumptions about individual Jewish experiences.

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The impact of generational trauma … so people could understand where the distress is coming from.

The royal commission, currently sitting in Melbourne, is focusing on the experiences within universities. It has also announced a new block of hearings dedicated to examining two significant protests: one in October 2023 at the Sydney Opera House, where flares and fireworks were used during a pro-Israel demonstration, and another in November 2025 involving neo-Nazis outside the NSW Parliament. These hearings will explore the role of protests in a democracy, instances of hateful conduct, and police responses.

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The impact of the Holocaust animates the way people think about what it means to be Jewish.

Professor Slucki also addressed the complexities surrounding Zionism and anti-Zionism, stating that these terms are not simple. He indicated that teaching about the Israeli conflict involves presenting the competing narratives of both peoples involved. He believes that the majority of Jewish Australians desire a two-state solution, a view he intends to explore further in an upcoming survey.

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There's this critical mass of Jews in Australia that ascended from Holocaust survivors. The way we live our lives is really shaped by the message we take from that and that's different for every person.