Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has urged Australians to remain calm in these troubling times we are living in, as tensions rise with the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

The Member for Blaxland joined Chris O’Keefe in the wake of a report of rising antisemitism in universities.

“We’ve got to lower the temperature. We’ve got to work together here that means Labor and Liberal. That means community leaders on both sides”, he told 2GB Drive.

University of Sydney statement on rising tensions:

We are shocked and dismayed by the conflict and loss of life in the Middle East, and extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the conflict.
At this time, we know it’s more important than ever that our campuses continue to be a welcoming and safe space for all students including our Jewish and Palestinian students.

Our Vice-Chancellor has written to our staff and students, acknowledging many hold strong views on this conflict and encouraging them to express themselves in a way that considers the impact on other members of our campus community.

Our Student Charter lays out our expectations for students and also affirms our commitment to free speech and academic freedom – including robust, informed debate and lawful protest that is free from discrimination and harassment. We do not tolerate any form of bullying, threatening, or discriminatory language or behaviour including anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim language or behaviour.

The University has reached out directly to students of Israeli and Palestinian citizenship or country of residence, to offer additional support including special consideration, peer support and counselling. We are also consulting with relevant clubs and societies about how we can best connect with and support the wider Israeli and Palestinian student communities with academic, psychological and other practical support.

For staff or family members who are feeling distressed, we have a number of counselling services available. The University of Sydney Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is run by students and operates independently of the University.