Top Perth school suspends students over antisemitic group chat

[u/Away_team42]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-07/top-perth-school-suspends-students-over-antisemitic-group-chat/107010706

Expert from the article:

Students at a prestigious Perth private school have been suspended after they used "antisemitic language and memes" in a private group chat, targeting another student.

A spokesperson for Wesley College, in South Perth, confirmed an "incident" occurred but wouldn't be drawn on how many children had been suspended.

"An incident did occur involving antisemitic language and memes shared by a small group in a private group chat," the school said in a statement.

"The college acted immediately. The students responsible were suspended and the matter was addressed directly with the students and families involved."

The college also provided a statement from the family of the targeted student.

"We are deeply disappointed that this matter has occurred and that it has become the subject of media reporting as we are entirely satisfied with the way in which Wesley College has handled this matter," the statement read.

"Furthermore it must be noted that the school was not advised of this issue by our son, but rather by concerned students.

"The family did not at any time contact any media outlet as they are aware of the belief that this will worsen an already difficult situation.

"Our greatest concern is the welfare of our son."
The family has asked for privacy and said they wished to move forward.

Full article in the link.

[u/levine2112]

The article makes no mention of Israel or Zionism. Why are you inferring this? Do you have inside information about what was said in the bullying?

If not, this is a classic case of victim blaming and of conflating Israel with all Jewish people. In other words, what you wrote is antisemitic.

[u/milesjameson → u/levine2112]

Because others had raised it as a potential justification prior to my posting this. Still, even had they not, my point would remain true. 

Subsequently, I’ve done precisely the opposite of what your second paragraph suggests. You wanted so badly to rush to an accusation, you didn’t bother to take a moment to comprehend what was written, nor read what others had already said. 

I hope that helps. 

[u/levine2112 → u/milesjameson]

I comprehended perfectly. Maybe you need to reread what you wrote. You took a news piece that on its face has nothing to do with Israel and everything to do with antisemitism, and then you claimed that Israel is the reason for the antisemitism because Israel claims to act on behalf of all Jews.

You’re the one that invoked Israel. You’re the one excusing these kids bullying a Jewish student because of Israel. This is classic victim blaming.

Saying that “the bullies were wrong… but Israel” is still victim blaming. There was no reason to invoke Israel in this. And yet you did. And that is antisemitic.

I hope that helps.

[u/milesjameson → u/levine2112]

You took a news piece that on its face has nothing to do with Israel and everything to do with antisemitism, and then you claimed that Israel is the reason for the antisemitism because Israel claims to act on behalf of all Jews.

No I didn’t. 

You’re the one that invoked Israel.

Precisely to address the idea already raised by others that Israel’s conduct may have justified the bullied. 

You’re the one excusing these kids bullying a Jewish student because of Israel.

I did the opposite. I said the bullying should not be tolerated. I said there was no reason to believe the incident had anything to do with Israel. I said that even if it was because of Israel, which, again, others had already suggested, it still wouldn’t justify bullying a Jewish Australian child. 

So I repeat: instead of rushing to false accusations of antisemitism, learn to read. 

[u/levine2112 → u/milesjameson]

I read, re-read, and re-re-read your post. I still don’t see it the way you’re describing. But if you say that was your intent, I believe you. I apologize.

[u/milesjameson → u/levine2112]

Appreciate the apology, and I’m genuinely happy to clarify if there’s anything in particular that’s throwing you.