Australia's antisemitism royal commission opens public hearings
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 4
Australia's antisemitism royal commission opens public hearings
8 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 4
In Sydney, first witness Sheina Gutnick said she received messages saying she too should have been killed after the December Bondi Hanukkah shooting that left 15 dead.
She said antisemitism had become openly acceptable since October 2023, while another witness questioned whether Australia remained the right country for his grandchildren.
The commission has received nearly 7,500 submissions; hearings run until 15 May, after an interim report urged tighter gun reforms and broader policing for Jewish events.
Facing threats from the far-right to state actors, how can Australia combat the complex, modern faces of antisemitism?
After a 'HIGH' terror threat was misjudged, can new funding and reforms truly prevent another tragedy like the Bondi attack?
With families fleeing and hate on the rise, is Australia's reputation as a multicultural safe haven now at risk?
Australia's Antisemitism Crisis: Insights from the Bondi Beach Terror Attack and Ongoing Royal Commission
Overview
On December 14, 2025, Sajid Akram and his son carried out a deadly mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, killing 15 people. The attack, marked by Islamic State symbols, was classified as terrorism and sparked national mourning and strong condemnation from Muslim groups. Investigations revealed serious security failures, including inadequate police presence despite prior warnings from Jewish organizations. These failures were linked to outdated counter-terrorism plans and reduced resources following government shifts in focus. The attack prompted the Australian government to establish a Royal Commission, which has since released an interim report with recommendations and continues to investigate the surge in antisemitism fueled by international conflicts, social media, and political tensions.