Jewish Australian children face death threats, Nazi slurs
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Jewish Australian school children have received death threats and been subjected to Nazi slurs, a royal commission has heard.
- A father testified that his seven-year-old son was told by friends that his family should be killed by Hamas.
- The royal commission is examining the prevalence and drivers of antisemitism and hate speech on social media.
Young Jewish children in Australia have been targeted with death threats and antisemitic abuse, including Nazi slurs, a royal commission has been told. The hearing focused on the rise of hate speech and its impact on the community.
I hope Hamas bombs your fat arses
A father, identified only as ACF, shared the harrowing experience of his son, who was seven at the time of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. The boy was told by friends that his "Israelian" family should be killed by the terrorist organization, with one message stating, "I hope Hamas bombs your fat arses."
Another family reported their daughters receiving relentless crude messages and videos from other children due to their Jewish identity. One AI-generated video depicted the eldest daughter, who used a wheelchair, struggling to swim through liquid. Another showed an image of the girl with the words "g@s inh@l3r" written below it. "She was devastated," the girl's mother stated. "The whole school year knew about it."
You should kill yourself
The royal commission into antisemitism resumed public hearings, with a focus on the role of media and the nature of hate speech on social media. Labor MP Josh Burns is expected to testify about the threats he has received since October 7, which have led to changes in his public engagements due to safety concerns. Musician Ben Adler is also scheduled to appear before the commission.
She was devastated. The whole school year knew about it.
Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.