Shadow Education Minister Julian Leeser has revealed the disturbing antisemitic abuse he faces, saying he is routinely branded a “traitor and a Mossad agent” despite his family’s history of service to Australia.
His comments came as the Royal Commission into antisemitism resumed hearings in Sydney, with Labor MP Josh Burns appearing as a witness on Tuesday.
The latest round of hearings is examining the spread of antisemitic material through social media and traditional media following a sharp rise in incidents across Australia.
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday morning, the Liberal frontbencher detailed his own experience as a Jewish Australian.
“My family has been here since the 1840s. My great grandfather was at Gallipoli … my grandfather was a prisoner of war in Changi and fought on the Burma Railway,” he said.
“And yet, every time I post anything on my social media, I’m called a traitor and a Mossad agent.”
Mr Leeser said much of the abuse was too graphic to repeat publicly.
“That’s what Jewish Australians are coping with today,” he said.
He acknowledged politicians often face criticism and abuse but said the amount directed at Jewish Australians had crossed a line.
“Now, I’m a member of parliament so you expect some level of abuse as a member of parliament, but no one should expect that level of abuse,” he said.
“I don’t want an Australia for my children, or for anyone’s children, where people are judged on the basis of their race or religion.
“I want an Australia where people are judged on their contribution.
“I love this country, I love Australians. I know most Australians don’t do this either.”
Mr Leeser said the problem had worsened significantly since the October 7 Hamas attacks and escalated again after the Bondi terror attack.
“I think every Jewish Australian has faced an enormous amount of antisemitism since October 7,” he said.
“There was a problem in Australia before that time as well, and since Bondi, it’s gone to a whole new level.”
The Royal Commission heard on Monday that Bondi survivor Arsen Ostrovsky received a wave of abuse after images of him circulated following the attack.
It also heard that the family of former Westfield co-chief executive Steven Lowy received thousands of threats over the past year.
Mr Leeser said he was shocked by the evidence.
“I was shocked yesterday to hear Arsen Ostrovsky, a survivor of the Bondi terrorist attack, being told he was faking it,” he said.
Mr Burns, who is appearing before the inquiry on Tuesday, has previously spoken publicly about threats directed at him and his office.
His Melbourne electorate office was vandalised and firebombed in 2024, while his staff and family have also been subjected to online harassment.
Mr Leeser said social media companies were failing to tackle the problem.
“I think the social media companies have to step up. It’s long past good enough that they excuse this behaviour,” he said.
He said offensive accounts were frequently reported but action was often limited.
According to Mr Leeser, his office has already pushed for hundreds of accounts to be blocked.
“They have blocked, I think, something like 650 accounts, but you only need to look at a post I made yesterday to see hundreds more are appearing all the time,” he said.
“Hundreds more engaging in antisemitic behaviour.
“The social media companies have to do more here, otherwise they will face tough regulations.”
Mr Leeser has previously argued senior government figures should appear before the Royal Commission if requested.
Jewish leaders are also urging the antisemitism Royal Commission to call senior Labor ministers to give evidence on major policy failings in the lead-up to the Bondi terror attack.
Mr Leeser said the Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister “should absolutely appear” before the Royal Commission if asked.
“There are real questions to be asked about the state of our terrorism preparedness, levels of counter-terrorism funding and who knew what and when prior to Bondi, which only they can answer,” he told SkyNews.com.au on Monday.