Jewish Professor Fears Terrorist Attack in Uni Office Occupation 2026

The royal commission into antisemitism heard a Jewish professor feared a terrorist attack when pro-Palestine protesters occupied his office at the University of Melbourne. Steven Prawer, a professor of physics, described the 9 October 2024 incident as a deeply personal and threatening experience.

Professor Recalls Office Occupation

On that day, about 20 students covered in keffiyehs, hoods, and masks entered Prawer’s office for 90 minutes. They were protesting the university’s partnerships with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prawer, a self-described Zionist who wears a kippah, said he did not know if it was a protest or a terrorist attack.

“This was only one year after the atrocities in Israel and so I was very perturbed,” he told the commission. He later hired a private investigator because he feared “Hamas connections” among the protesters.

University Response and Appeal

Two students were recommended for expulsion and two for suspension. Then vice-chancellor Prof Duncan Maskell called the incident “shocking and appalling.” However, the academic board overturned the expulsions after an appeal, prompting Prawer to question the university’s commitment to safety.

Key Details of the Incident

• 20 masked protesters occupied Prawer’s office on 9 October 2024
• Protest was against university partnerships with Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Two students were expelled, later reinstated on appeal
• Prawer hired a private investigator due to safety concerns

Comparison of University Responses

Broader Implications for Antisemitism

The royal commission is examining rising antisemitism in Australia. Prawer’s testimony highlights the fear Jewish staff and students face on campus. He called the protest a “highly personal attack” and urged the university to show it does not “tolerate misbehaviour.”

Approximately 150 university employees signed a petition supporting sit-ins as legitimate protest. But Prawer argued that 20 students in an office with one person is different from a lawn protest. “The equation is completely different,” he said.

FAQ

This case underscores the need for clear policies on campus protests and antisemitism. Stay informed with the latest news and analysis.

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