Australia Opens Royal Commission into Antisemitic Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Shock and grief still linger in Australia months after the horrific antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach. Now, the nation has taken a decisive step toward accountability and truth.

On Tuesday, Australia formally opened a powerful Royal Commission into the December 14 shooting at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney that left 15 people dead and dozens wounded. The attack, described by authorities as a premeditated antisemitic terror assault, targeted Jews gathered to celebrate their faith and heritage.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the establishment of the Royal Commission on January 8. In Australia, a Royal Commission is the highest form of federal inquiry, with the authority to compel testimony and demand evidence. It represents the full weight of the state seeking answers.

The inquiry is being led by retired judge Virginia Bell, who opened proceedings in a Sydney courtroom this week. In her remarks, she made clear that the commission’s mandate is broad and urgent.

A central focus will be the security arrangements surrounding the Chanukah event at Bondi Beach. Bell emphasized that the commission must determine whether intelligence and law enforcement agencies operated at maximum effectiveness before and during the attack. The goal is not only to examine what happened, but to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.

Authorities have identified the perpetrators as Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed Akram. Investigators say the pair were inspired by Islamic State ideology and carried out the shooting as a deliberate antisemitic terrorist attack. Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene. Naveed Akram, who survived, now faces 15 counts of murder along with terrorism-related charges.

Because of the ongoing criminal proceedings, Judge Bell noted that potential witnesses in Naveed Akram’s trial will not be called before the commission. She also announced plans to meet privately with victims’ families to explain the inquiry’s scope and limitations, underscoring the sensitivity and complexity of the process.

Richard Lancaster, lead counsel assisting the commission, revealed that dozens of formal requests have already been sent to government departments and agencies for documentary evidence. He acknowledged, however, that the level of response so far has not met expectations. The commission’s work is just beginning, and much remains to be gathered and reviewed.

The inquiry will also examine broader issues of antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia. In recent months, Jewish communities across the globe have faced a disturbing surge in antisemitic rhetoric and violence. The Bondi Beach attack stands as a devastating reminder that hatred against Jews is not confined to one region or ideology.

The Royal Commission is expected to deliver its findings by December. While no testimony was heard on its opening day and no date has yet been set for the next hearing, the process signals Australia’s recognition that antisemitic terror demands a comprehensive national response.

Prime Minister Albanese had initially resisted calls for a Royal Commission, arguing that such inquiries can take years. Jewish organizations and families of the victims urged reconsideration, emphasizing the need for transparency and decisive action. The establishment of this inquiry reflects the gravity of their concerns and the seriousness of the attack.

For Jewish communities worldwide, the events at Bondi Beach are painfully familiar. A celebration of faith was transformed into a scene of terror simply because Jews gathered openly and proudly. Yet history has shown that attempts to intimidate or silence Jewish life ultimately fail.

As nations confront antisemitism, Israel stands firm as the homeland of the Jewish people and a steadfast voice against terror in all its forms. The Jewish story is one of courage, faith, and an unbreakable bond to life and freedom.

Israel continues to defend Jewish communities everywhere and to stand against hatred. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed and united in support of Israel and the Jewish people.