A Disturbing Encounter at a Music Festival
A firefighter reportedly pulled a hunting knife on a Jewish paramedic and threatened to “skin him” during a music festival in regional Victoria, according to testimony given to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by members of the Jewish community in various settings, including emergency services.
Joshua Gomperts, a Victorian paramedic, shared his experiences with the commission, recounting how he first encountered antisemitism as a teenager when he was attacked while wearing a kippah. This traumatic event marked the beginning of his awareness of the prejudice that can exist in society.
The royal commission was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Bondi terror attack, which claimed 15 lives on December 14. It also aims to examine the spread of antisemitism that preceded the incident. Mr. Gomperts provided further insight into the challenges he has faced, both personally and professionally.
Workplace Antisemitism and Personal Challenges
Mr. Gomperts described an incident at a New Year’s Eve music festival in regional Victoria, where he was relaxing with other emergency service personnel. During this time, a firefighter made a comment about his Jewish heritage. The man then pulled out a large hunting knife and threatened to “skin him the way my family skinned yours in the camps.”
This alarming statement was overheard, and police were called. The firefighter’s managers later arrived to replace the festival crew. The incident left Mr. Gomperts shaken and concerned about his safety.
In addition to his work with St John Ambulance, Mr. Gomperts volunteered with Hatzolah, an emergency medical service in Melbourne, between 2021 and 2025. He recounted attending a protest following the events of October 7, 2023, when more than 1,200 people were killed by Hamas. During the protest, journalists and bystanders were injured by pepper spray and objects thrown into the crowd. A makeshift triage centre was set up at a nearby house, where Mr. Gomperts and his fellow volunteers treated anyone in need.
A Harrowing Experience at a Synagogue
Later in 2024, Mr. Gomperts heard screams over the Hatzolah radio related to the firebombing of Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne’s south-east. As he approached the scene, he saw smoke coming from the building and reported the blaze to the police, fearing it could be a terrorist attack. He described feeling uneasy, thinking there might still be attackers around.
Mr. Gomperts fled the scene for his own safety, highlighting the fear and uncertainty that can accompany such incidents.
Antisemitism in the Workplace
Mr. Gomperts experienced antisemitism again in the workplace when he was called to conduct a patient transport from a hospital. While reading the patient’s medical notes, he noticed a man in his 90s performing a Nazi salute. When he asked the patient why he had done so, the man told him he was an “old Nazi” and did not want a Jewish man to touch him.
Mr. Gomperts and his colleague left the scene, and another crew took over. His colleague was “appalled” by the patient’s behavior. However, Mr. Gomperts noted that not all of his peers have been supportive of his heritage. One colleague even asked him, “As a Jew, how can you support the killing of babies?” Mr. Gomperts was taken aback, as they had not been discussing Israel at the time.
Academic Challenges and Religious Accommodations
Mr. Gomperts also spoke about experiencing antisemitism at university when he requested to sit an exam on another date due to it being scheduled on a Jewish holy day. He was asked to meet with the university board, who advised that they could not move the exam based on religious grounds. Shocked by this response, he sought legal advice. Once he informed the university that he had a barrister on call, his request was accommodated.
He sat the exam with about four other students who could not attend the scheduled test due to family functions, not religious reasons. None of them had experienced issues with their requests or been asked to meet with the university board.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Steps
The first set of hearings at the royal commission will run until May 15, with a final report due a year from the date of the Bondi attack. These proceedings aim to shed light on the broader issues of antisemitism and social cohesion, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and addressed.
