The Bondi Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion has begun hearing evidence, but serious questions are already emerging about how that evidence is being tested.
Michael West examines claims made before the commission, the role of pro-Israel lobby groups, the media’s treatment of anecdote as fact, and whether a process meant to strengthen social cohesion risks doing the opposite.
Antisemitism is real and must be taken seriously. But if a Royal Commission elevates untested claims, hearsay and political narratives without proper scrutiny, the public deserves to ask, where is the evidence?
Michael West established Michael West Media in 2016 to focus on journalism of high public interest, particularly the rising power of corporations over democracy. West was formerly a journalist and editor with Fairfax newspapers, a columnist for News Corp and even, once, a stockbroker.
