Australian Inquiry Begins into Rising Antisemitism Following Bondi Beach Attack

Australia's Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has commenced public hearings in Sydney, focusing on the increase in antisemitic incidents following the December 2025 Bondi Beach attack. The commission, established on 9 January 2026, is tasked with examining the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australian institutions and society.

The Bondi Beach attack, which occurred on 14 December 2025, resulted in 15 fatalities and 42 injuries during a Hanukkah celebration. The assailants, identified as father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, were reportedly inspired by the Islamic State group. Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed Akram was wounded and has been charged with multiple offenses, including committing a terrorist act and 15 counts of murder.

During the hearings, Jewish Australians shared personal accounts of escalating antisemitic abuse and violence. One witness recounted being verbally abused while wearing a Star of David necklace in a Sydney shopping mall, stating, "I felt shocked, exposed and unsafe."

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported over 2,000 antisemitic incidents in the year following the Israel-Hamas conflict that began in October 2023, compared to under 500 the previous year.

Commissioner Virginia Bell emphasized the importance of understanding how international events can prompt hostility toward Jewish Australians, noting, "It's important that people understand how quickly those events can prompt ugly displays of hostility toward Jewish Australians simply because they're Jews."

An interim report from the Royal Commission, released in April, recommended enacting nationally consistent gun laws and a weapons buyback program. The final report is expected by 14 December 2026.