Backlash over Greens’ decision to appoint Faruqi to antisemitism inquiry
The Greens’ decision to appoint Senator Mehreen Faruqi to a Senate committee investigating antisemitism at universities has sparked a significant backlash, raising concerns about her suitability for the role.
Mehreen Faruqi
Faruqi, who previously refused to denounce the terrorist group Hamas, has been criticised for her stance on Israel and her involvement in matters concerning antisemitism.
Critics, including the Coalition’s Julian Leeser, have questioned her motivations for joining the inquiry given her contentious history. Leeser highlighted that Faruqi’s track record on Israel, including her refusal to condemn Hamas and her comments downplaying pro-Palestine graffiti on the Australian War Memorial, casts doubt on her impartiality.
He stressed that her involvement could undermine the inquiry’s integrity. “Given her history of vile anti-Jewish behaviour and rhetoric I question her motives for joining this committee solely for the purpose of this inquiry”, he told J-Wire. “What reason would Senator Faruqi have for purposely inserting herself into this inquiry?”
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) has been particularly vocal in their criticism. Co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin expressed deep concern that allowing Faruqi to participate in the inquiry compromises the entire process. “The Greens certainly know a thing or two about antisemitism, but Senator Faruqi sitting on an inquiry into university antisemitism compromises the integrity of the commission and exposes victims of antisemitism to further harm,” Ryvchin stated.
He further warned that her presence on the committee could deter victims of antisemitism from coming forward, exposing them to additional risks. “The Greens have acted as the parliamentary wing of the anti-Israel movement and have materially supported groups engaged in antisemitic conduct in addition to their own shameful antics directed at our community,” he added.
Ryvchin further criticised the Greens for failing to fully comprehend the impact of their actions on Jewish communities. “The Greens should carefully study the testimonies of Jewish academics and students to fully understand the exclusion, abuse, and harassment they have contributed to. If they have any honour or concern for victims of racism and discrimination whatsoever, they would stand down from this committee,” he asserted.
Opposition education spokeswoman Senator Sarah Henderson echoed these concerns, stressing that Faruqi’s involvement could have a detrimental impact on Jewish witnesses who have already suffered considerable distress. She urged all senators to conduct themselves with the utmost respect for those giving evidence, particularly in light of the harm experienced by Jewish students and academics since the events of October 7.
Moreover, during debates, Faruqi accused the Liberal Party of “weaponising antisemitism” and framed the inquiry as an attack on those opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza. This stance has deepened concerns that her participation may politicise the inquiry and detract from its primary focus on addressing antisemitism at universities.
These concerns are further underscored by the gravity of the issues at stake. The committee has received over 170 submissions, many from students and staff detailing their experiences of antisemitism on campuses. Jewish students, represented by the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, highlighted the growing normalisation of antisemitic discourse at universities.
Given the breadth of these submissions and the sensitivity of the subject matter, many believe that Faruqi’s involvement in the inquiry poses a significant risk to the credibility of the investigation and the safety of those providing testimony. The concerns raised by both Jewish organisations and political leaders alike underscore the potential dangers of allowing her to remain on the committee.
Obviously the motive behind this Green’s decision is to undermine the investigation. With Faruqi’s blatant track record of antisemitic behaviour it should not be allowed.
The inclusion of Faruqi makes a mockery of the whole process. It ensureds thst the investigation will fail. Her vicious contempt for the Jewish people along with the Greens per se, holds no boundaries.
How is such an obscene proposition as appointing an obvious antisemitic person to an antisemitic inquiry even being considered?
Is she supposed to inquire herself?
Sometime one gets the feeling that logic, common sense and indeed brain has completely left this planet.