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Australia Launches Federal Inquiry Into Antisemitism Following Deadly Sydney Attack
A comprehensive federal inquiry into rising antisemitism across Australia began Tuesday, coming months after a deadly attack at a Sydney Jewish festival that claimed 15 lives in December.
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Australia’s most powerful form of public inquiry, was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month following the December 14 massacre at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach. The attack, allegedly carried out by two gunmen believed to be inspired by the Islamic State group, sent shockwaves through the nation’s Jewish community and sparked urgent calls for government action.
Commissioner Virginia Bell, a retired High Court judge leading the inquiry, emphasized in her opening address the delicate balance required to investigate the attack while avoiding interference with ongoing criminal proceedings.
“One might expect a royal commission set up to inquire into an attack would lead evidence of it and of the heroism of those who sought to confront the shooters and of those who ran toward the gunfire to offer medical assistance to the wounded,” Bell stated. “The trial of that individual will be the occasion to lead evidence of the attack. This commission must do its work without risking any prejudice to that criminal proceeding.”
The alleged shooter, Sajid Naveed, was killed by police during the attack. His son, Naveed Akram, faces multiple charges including committing a terrorist act, 15 counts of murder, and 40 counts of attempted murder. Akram has yet to enter pleas to these charges.
Despite the tight timeline—the commission must deliver its final report by the first anniversary of the massacre—Bell emphasized the critical importance of addressing antisemitism while acknowledging that discrimination affects various religions and ethnicities in Australia.
“I expect that social cohesion will be advanced by measures that address discrimination against religious faiths, ethnicities and cultures generally,” Bell noted. “Nonetheless, against the background of the massacre of innocent people who appear to have been targeted simply because they were Jewish, I trust everyone will appreciate why the focus of this commission will be on tackling antisemitism.”
The commission will operate under significant time constraints, with an interim report due by the end of April. This initial assessment will examine information-sharing between federal and state agencies, security arrangements at the event, and evaluate the effectiveness of intelligence and law enforcement responses.
Richard Lancaster, Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission, stated that commission staff have already issued dozens of notices to government agencies requesting documents, with more to follow. Dates for public hearings have not yet been announced.
The establishment of the royal commission represents a shift in the government’s approach. Prime Minister Albanese initially resisted calls for such an inquiry, arguing it would take too long to provide answers. Instead, he had appointed retired bureaucrat Dennis Richardson to examine the roles of intelligence and security agencies in relation to the attack. Richardson’s inquiry has now been incorporated into the royal commission, with Richardson serving as Bell’s special adviser.
Australia has witnessed a marked increase in reports of antisemitism and Islamophobic behavior since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. The Jewish community in Australia comprises fewer than 120,000 people—less than 0.5% of the country’s 28 million population—with approximately 85% residing in Sydney and Melbourne.
In response to growing concerns about religious discrimination, the Australian government appointed a special envoy to confront rising antisemitism earlier this year, followed by the appointment of a special envoy to combat Islamophobia.
The royal commission’s comprehensive mandate includes identifying gaps in legal and regulatory frameworks that might impede the ability of law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to prevent similar attacks in the future, as well as examining the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australian institutions and society.
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19 Comments
This is a difficult and sensitive topic, but it’s crucial that we confront it head-on. I’m glad to see the government taking this issue seriously and committing to a thorough and impartial investigation.
I share your sentiment. Addressing antisemitism and promoting social cohesion should be a top priority for the government and the community as a whole.
While the details of the Bondi Beach attack are harrowing, I’m encouraged to see the government taking such a proactive approach to addressing the underlying issues of antisemitism and social division. This inquiry could set an important precedent for how we address complex social problems.
While the details of this attack are harrowing, I’m hopeful that the findings of this inquiry will help inform policies and programs to combat antisemitism and promote greater understanding and respect between all members of the community.
Antisemitism is a complex and deeply rooted problem that requires a multifaceted approach. I’m hopeful that this inquiry will help identify effective strategies for addressing the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to the rise of such hatred and intolerance.
This inquiry is an important step, but its success will depend on the government’s willingness to implement meaningful and lasting solutions. I hope the findings will lead to concrete policy changes and community-based initiatives to combat antisemitism and promote social cohesion.
Agreed. The real test will be in the government’s follow-through and the community’s ongoing commitment to addressing this issue.
The scope of this inquiry is ambitious, but it’s necessary to understand the broader social and political context that may have contributed to this tragic event. I hope the findings will inform meaningful and lasting change.
While the details of the Bondi Beach attack are harrowing, I’m encouraged to see the government taking such a proactive approach to addressing the underlying issues of antisemitism and social division. This inquiry could set an important precedent.
Antisemitism is a complex and deeply rooted issue that requires a multifaceted approach. I hope this inquiry will shed light on the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to the rise of such hatred and intolerance.
While the details of the Bondi Beach attack are deeply disturbing, I’m encouraged to see the government taking such a proactive approach to addressing the underlying issues of antisemitism and social division. This inquiry could set an important precedent.
Agreed. Tackling antisemitism and promoting social cohesion should be a top priority for the government and the community as a whole.
This inquiry is an important step, but it will only be successful if it leads to meaningful and sustained action. I hope the government and community stakeholders will work together to implement the recommendations and drive real change.
It’s critical that this inquiry is conducted with the utmost care and sensitivity, avoiding any further harm or trauma to the victims and their families. Transparency and community engagement will be key to its success.
Absolutely. The inquiry must balance the need for a thorough investigation with the need to respect the privacy and dignity of those affected.
Antisemitism is a complex and deeply rooted problem that requires a nuanced and thoughtful approach. I’m hopeful that this inquiry will help identify effective strategies for promoting tolerance and understanding within the community.
I agree. Addressing the root causes of antisemitism and other forms of prejudice will be critical to preventing such tragic events in the future.
This is a tragic and troubling incident that deserves a thorough and impartial investigation. Antisemitism has no place in our society, and we must work to address its root causes and prevent such attacks from happening again.
I agree. This inquiry is an important step in understanding the factors that led to this attack and developing policies to promote social cohesion and protect vulnerable communities.