Jewish MP deems Senator Faruqi’s involvement in antisemitism investigation to be ‘inappropriate’
Politicians and Jewish groups are questioning the decision of Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi to participate in a committee tasked with deciding on an inquiry into antisemitism.
Jewish Liberal MP Julian Leeser has criticized the potential involvement of Senator Mehreen Faruqi by the Greens in determining the fate of an investigation into antisemitism at universities.
The Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee is conducting an inquiry to assess whether to proceed with the investigation.
Leeser pointed out that Faruqi has taken a place on the committee, displacing Greens Senator David Shoebridge, who typically holds the position.
Expressing his concerns, Leeser mentioned, “Senator Faruqi has already expressed her belief that the inquiry is politically motivated, further underscoring why her participation in this inquiry is inappropriate.”
Faruqi has openly shown support for Palestine in the past.
She recently advocated against dismantling Hamas in Gaza, despite the group being classified as a terrorist organization by Australia.
Additionally, she urged for the public disclosure of correspondence between Jewish and Zionist organizations through an unsuccessful Senate motion.
Regarding Faruqi’s involvement in the inquiry, Leeser emphasized, “A person with evident bias and hostility towards the interests of the Jewish community should not be in a position to question witnesses in this inquiry.”
According to reports, Faruqi will take Shoebridge’s place on the committee.
The Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory criticized Faruqi’s participation in the inquiry, stating that her presence undermines the process.
Gregory accused Faruqi of intentionally obstructing the investigation into antisemitism.
He asserted, “The Jewish community will not be intimidated by Senator Faruqi and will continue to address antisemitism wherever it arises, including within universities.”
Community Won’t Be Intimidated: AJA
The Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 aims to establish a commission with powers equivalent to a royal commission to investigate antisemitism within Australian universities.
Documentation accompanying the motion by Senator Sarah Henderson reveals a long history of antisemitism on Australian university campuses, with a significant number of Jewish students experiencing such discrimination.
Recently, following the terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7, instances of antisemitism in Australia, especially on university campuses, have surged.
The submission period for the Senate inquiry closed on Aug. 23, with the next reporting date scheduled for Oct. 4.
