Academic abused for support of Jewish Australians, royal commission told

Academic Marcia Langton has told the antisemitism royal commission of the abuse she was subjected to by members of the pro-Palestinian movement. Ms Langton said her car windows had been smashed after showing support to Jewish Australians. The commission also from a Jewish childcare worker introducing her culture to children at a majority non-Jewish centre. Prominent academic and advocate for Indigenous Australians Marcia Langton says she has been subjected to abuse and labelled a "zio" by members of the pro-Palestinian movement. Dr Langton appeared before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion on Wednesday to discuss the role of education in tackling all forms of racism and hate, including antisemitism. She said she had been subjected to racism and abuse because of her support for Jewish Australians. "I've been labelled a zio by the pro-Palestine movement in Melbourne. I've had people pull out of panels that I was listed to speak at … my car's windows were smashed," she said. "Labelling me as a zio … I'm therefore made voiceless in the debate. "Because as much as I might be horrified and oppose what's happening in Gaza … the foul treatment of Jewish Australians cannot be justified by saying that Israel is doing this in Gaza." Childcare fostering social cohesion The commission also heard from a Jewish Australian woman working to foster social cohesion in her childcare centre, which has about 70 per cent non-Jewish families on its books. Known as AEA, the woman said the centre introduces children to Jewish culture by creating sensory experiences influenced by tradition. She said the aim of this was to celebrate difference, while also highlighting the values and experiences children of different cultures share with their friends. "There is no intention for a non-Jewish child to adopt that practice … but what it is is connecting on those shared values," she said. For example, AEA said each Friday children participate in challah baking, with the loaves of bread taken home to be shared with family. "This is a very distinct tradition … but the values underneath that is something we all share. That idea of sharing food with family," she said. AEA said work was underway to develop a pilot program based on the centre's model.