Jewish artist claims cancellation after private chat leak at antisemitism commission

At the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, artist Nina Sanadze recounted how a private message labeling Hamas as "animals" was leaked in early 2024, resulting in her removal from a residency and exclusion from artistic circles. She said the hosting institution warned that her continued presence would appear antisemitic and threatened further leaks unless she departed. After the incident, Sanadze founded the Goldstone Gallery in 2025, which offered a platform for Palestinian and Israeli women but has since shut down because Jewish artists feel unsafe and lack funding.

The gallery also organized public programs such as poetry readings and live music. Sanadze was involved in handling three tonnes of floral tributes left at Bondi Pavilion after a December 2025 shooting; the flowers were taken to Melbourne for an exhibition intended for the Sydney Jewish Museum. The commission also heard from a Jewish comedian who described antisemitic attacks on his synagogue and workplace, highlighting both hostility and moments of cross-community support within the arts sector.