Jewish musicians faced abuse over Zionist beliefs, royal commission told

Deborah Conway describes anti-Zionism as a ‘genocidal impulse’ as inquiry hears how Jews are targeted with Nazi comparisons Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Jewish musicians have told a royal commission hearing that their views on Zionism made them the targets of vilification and boycotting. The royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion heard from Deborah Conway and Joshua Moshe on Monday: both were members of a WhatsApp group for Jewish creatives and academics, the contents of which was leaked by the media and some of the members’ personal information made public. Conway, who became a household name in the 1980s as a singer-songwriter, says she faced backlash for publicly declaring herself as a Zionist even before the group was leaked. She described Zionism as central to being Jewish, explaining the belief that Jews have a right to exist in Israel as their ancestral homeland. Conway stressed Zionism did not imply a support for the Israeli government, but despite this says she has faced vicious abuse online and was targeted by protesters at events. Conway told the commission: “I think that