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.
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“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
| Action | Initial Decision | Appeal Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Expulsion | Two students expelled | Overturned by academic board |
| Suspension | Two students suspended | Upheld |
| University Statement | Vice-chancellor shocked and appalled | No further disciplinary action |
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
What happened during the office occupation at the University of Melbourne?
Twenty pro-Palestine students, masked and hooded, occupied Professor Steven Prawer’s office for 90 minutes in October 2024, protesting university partnerships with Israel.
Why did the professor fear a terrorist attack?
Prawer said the incident occurred one year after the October 7 atrocities in Israel, and he could not tell if the masked group was protesting or planning violence.
What was the outcome of the student disciplinary actions?
Two students were initially expelled and two suspended, but the academic board overturned the expulsions on appeal, sparking controversy.
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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