Former Adelaide Writers’ Week director Louise Adler is urging progressive Australian Jews to actively counter what she calls “pro-Israel propagandists” as a royal commission into the bondi Junction shopping center shooting begins. Adler warns these groups are attempting to dominate the commission and stifle free speech.
In a fundraising email for the Jewish Council of Australia sent Thursday,Adler wrote that the “pro-Israel lobby has renewed their campaign to silence any criticism of Israel,to outlaw protest and constrain free speech” as the royal commission proceeds.
She claims this effort has already had a significant impact. “This well-oiled machine has already cost us the most significant writers’ festival in the country,” Adler saeid, referencing the recent controversy surrounding the Adelaide Writers’ Week.
Adler specifically accused these groups of acting like “McCarthyites,” a reference to the anti-communist senator Joseph McCarthy and his tactics of making unsubstantiated accusations.
The royal commission is examining the circumstances surrounding the April 2024 Bondi Junction attack, in which six peopel were killed. It is expected to consider a range of issues, including the attacker’s mental health, the police response, and any potential security failures.
The Jewish Council of Australia has been a vocal advocate for increased security measures and a stronger response to antisemitism in the wake of the attack.
Further data about the royal commission can be found at the NSW Government website.
