Anti-Semitism claims 'amplified' in Jewish lawsuits

A group of Jewish academics and students have been accused of amplifying what it means to be racially discriminated against as they sue over a number of pro-Palestine posts.

Two lawsuits have been brought against a University of Sydney professor and a linguistics senior lecturer over a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The pair allegedly discriminated against Jewish people through social media posts made between late 2023 and mid-2024 about the conflict in Gaza.

On Wednesday, the cases returned to the Federal Court where the Jewish academics and students were criticised for their "massively amplified" interpretation of Australia's anti-discrimination laws.

Representing John Keane and Nick Reimer, Julie Taylor SC also slammed those running the lawsuits for going beyond what the court allowed in November when it permitted the pleadings to be amended.

She said the claims included the views of Jews and Israelis made after December's horrific mass shooting at a Bondi beachside Hanukkah celebration.

Barrister Adam Butt, representing the Jewish academics and students, denied this, saying his clients were merely trying to tidy up their case and remove ambiguity.

A hearing over the dispute will occur on May 5.

Professor Keane has been sued over two posts, including one from the day after the October 7 attacks - where the designated terrorist organisation Hamas killed 1200 people in southern Israel and took another 250 hostage - featuring an image of five Hamas flags.

The suit against linguistics expert Dr Riemer covers a wider range of posts, many referring to actions by "Zionists" in Palestine and overseas.

One asked students to attend a meeting in November 2023 about a "global intifada" or uprising by Palestinians.

The University of Sydney is vicariously liable for the actions of Prof Keane and Dr Riemer including by failing to remove their posts, the lawsuits claim.

The cases have been brought by five people including Emeritus Professor Suzanne Rutland, an Australian Jewish historian and member of the Australian delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

They are seeking court orders barring similar posts, compensation for loss and damage including for psychological injury, and a public apology.

In a joint statement on X in June 2025, Prof Keane and Dr Riemer criticised the suits as an attempt to silence opposition against Israel's genocide in Gaza.

"Our opposition to genocide and our vocal criticisms of Zionism and Israel's warrior apartheid state have nothing to do with anti-Semitism or racial hatred," they wrote.

The pair attended the brief hearing on Wednesday but did not answer questions from reporters afterwards.

"Free Palestine," Dr Riemer yelled before walking off with his lawyers.