The Jewish Council of Australia (JCA) is proud to announce that the Honourable Kevin Bell AO KC, a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria and former Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, has joined its Advisory Committee.
The appointment of one of Australia’s most distinguished former jurists comes at a critical juncture as the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion commences its hearings. Justice Bell will provide senior legal and strategic guidance to the Council as it intervenes to protect democratic freedoms and advocate for a historically grounded approach to Jewish safety.
Justice Bell’s decision to join the JCA is a powerful rejection of the myth that all Jewish Australians hold a monolithic political view. His involvement highlights the growing movement of Jewish people who believe their safety is inextricable from universal human rights.
“I am joining the Jewish Council because we are at a crossroads,” said the Hon. Kevin Bell AO KC.
“The Royal Commission has a historic opportunity to address hate, but it must reject the simplicity of treating the Jewish community as a political monolith.
“My own Jewish journey dates back to the Inquisition in Portugal and charts a path to social housing in Moorabbin. This journey taught myself and my ancestors before me, that rights are not abstract, they are the difference between dignity and fear. We cannot allow Jewishness to be flattened into an unconditional political loyalty oath to Israel.”
Justice Bell brings unparalleled expertise in human rights law, having played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and recently serving as a Royal Commissioner for Yoorrook.
His addition to the JCA Advisory Committee significantly bolsters the Council’s capacity to challenge “conflationary” definitions of antisemitism that threaten to stifle legitimate political dissent.
“To have a jurist of Justice Bell’s stature join us is an honour for the Council,” said Bart Shteinman, Executive Officer of the Jewish Council of Australia.
“As we prepare our submissions for the Royal Commission, Kevin’s experience as a judge and a commissioner will be invaluable.
“He understands that Jewish safety is not a zero-sum game. It cannot be built on the back of hollowing out our democracy or criminalising the dissent of others.”
The JCA’s focus for the Royal Commission will be on moving away from the law and order crackdowns on protest that the nation has seen in recent months and towards a prevention-first model that addresses the genuine drivers of harm, such as far-right extremism and growing conspiracist movements.
“Kevin Bell’s lineage of social justice perfectly aligns with our mission.
“At a time when legacy organisations are calling for regressive measures and report cards’ for universities, Kevin’s voice provides a necessary reminder that true security is found in a robust, multicultural democracy that protects the rights of all: Palestinian, Muslim, Jewish and First Nations communities alike.”
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview:
Email: [email protected]
SMS: 0493 970 412