Australia Begins Public Hearings on Bondi Beach Shooting and Antisemitism

Public hearings began in Australia for an inquiry into the Bondi Beach shooting and reports of increasing antisemitism. The proceedings, described as a Royal Commission on antisemitism, featured testimony from witnesses on the first day. One witness stated that their family no longer wanted to live in the country, citing feelings of being unsafe and unwelcome.

The shooting occurred at Bondi Beach and targeted a Hanukkah celebration, according to reports. A gathering took place on December 17, 2025, where mourners lit candles and placed floral tributes outside Bondi Pavilion in Sydney to honor the victims.

The event was captured in images showing people coming together in remembrance.

Witnesses provided insights into their encounters with domestic antisemitism during these initial hearings. The inquiry stems from the attack, which has prompted discussions on safety for Jewish communities in Australia. Reports indicate that the shooting specifically affected a Jewish holiday event, leading to this formal examination.

The commission aims to address both the incident and broader patterns of antisemitism reported in the country. Officials have not released further details on the timeline for additional hearings or potential outcomes. The process is expected to gather more testimonies to inform recommendations on community safety and responses to such incidents.