Adler Claims Antisemitism Royal Commission Serves as Israel Propaganda Tool

In a move sparking fresh controversy, former Adelaide Writers’ Week creative director Louise Adler has drawn sharp criticism from Australia’s peak Jewish organization after characterizing the royal commission on antisemitism in divisive terms.

Adler, in a fundraising letter distributed this week to the 1300 members of the progressive Jewish Council of Australia (JCA), described the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion as “an opportunity for pro-Israel propagandists” and labeled supporters as “McCarthyites.” The comments have intensified tensions within Australia’s Jewish community at a time when concerns about rising antisemitism have prompted a national inquiry.

The letter urged JCA members to provide financial support to help develop submissions that would present “an alternative perspective to the Jewish establishment” for the royal commission, which is currently being led by Justice Virginia Bell. This appeal for funds specifically targets the creation of counternarratives to what Adler appears to view as a one-sided approach to the commission’s work.

Australia’s royal commission, announced earlier this year following increased reports of antisemitic incidents across the country, was established to examine the causes of rising antisemitism and develop strategies to combat it. The commission represents one of the most significant government initiatives addressing religious and ethnic discrimination in recent years.

Adler’s comments highlight the complex divisions within Australia’s Jewish community regarding approaches to antisemitism, Israel policy, and representation in national discourse. The JCA, which positions itself as a progressive Jewish voice, has frequently offered perspectives that differ from larger Jewish organizations on issues related to Israel and Palestinian rights.

Community observers note that these tensions have intensified since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Jewish communities globally have reported significant increases in antisemitic incidents during this period, adding urgency to the royal commission’s work.

Critics of Adler’s characterization suggest her language undermines the legitimate concerns about rising antisemitism that prompted the royal commission’s establishment. Her reference to “McCarthyism” – invoking the 1950s anti-communist witch hunts in the United States – implies that the commission might be used to silence legitimate criticism rather than address genuine discrimination.

Adler is no stranger to controversy surrounding these issues. During her tenure as creative director of Adelaide Writers’ Week, she faced criticism for programming decisions that some Jewish groups considered problematic, particularly regarding speakers critical of Israel.

The royal commission, expected to deliver its findings next year, aims to develop a comprehensive national strategy to address antisemitism while balancing free speech considerations. Justice Bell, a former High Court justice with extensive experience in sensitive inquiries, faces the challenge of navigating these polarized perspectives.

Community relations experts emphasize that the commission’s success will depend on its ability to hear diverse viewpoints while maintaining focus on genuine antisemitism rather than legitimate political discourse about Middle East policy – precisely the distinction at the heart of the current controversy.

The fundraising effort by the JCA highlights the financial dimensions of community advocacy, with smaller organizations often struggling to develop professional submissions for major government inquiries compared to larger, better-resourced bodies.

As the royal commission begins accepting submissions, observers anticipate that this divide will become increasingly visible, with various Jewish organizations presenting different perspectives on what constitutes antisemitism and how it should be addressed in contemporary Australia.

The controversy emerges against a backdrop of increasing concerns about social cohesion in Australia, where tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict have occasionally spilled into public demonstrations, university campuses, and online discourse, challenging Australia’s multicultural framework and prompting broader questions about how diverse communities navigate complex international conflicts within the domestic context.