Australian Inquiry Examines Antisemitism After Bondi Hanukkah Shooting

An Australian royal commission investigating antisemitism and social cohesion began public hearings in Sydney on Monday. Witnesses, including Jewish Australians, provided accounts of antisemitic incidents. The inquiry was established after a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in December that resulted in 15 deaths.

The attack involved two gunmen, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, who used legally owned firearms. Authorities stated the incident was inspired by the Islamic State group. Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed Akram survived and faces charges including committing a terrorist act, 15 counts of murder, and 40 counts of attempted murder.

He has not entered pleas.

Bell noted that antisemitic incidents in Australia have increased, similar to trends in other Western countries, and linked to events in the Middle East. Witnesses reported over 2,000 antisemitic episodes in the year following October 7, 2023, according to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, compared to under 500 the previous year.

Sheina Gutnick, daughter of victim Reuven Morrison, described being verbally abused in a Sydney shopping mall a year before the attack due to her Star of David necklace. Reuven Morrison, 62, threw a brick at one gunman before being shot. Gutnick stated she avoids certain public events and areas in Sydney.

Toby Raphael, vice president of Sydney’s Newtown Synagogue, reported swastikas daubed on the synagogue in 2025. He mentioned the synagogue now requires security, and his son’s Jewish school has armed guards. Raphael questioned the need for such measures for children.

Alex Ryvchin, a Jewish group leader, recounted an arson attack on his home in 2025. He described Australia as facing increasing risks after these incidents and the Bondi shooting. The inquiry follows prior antisemitic attacks on Jewish schools, businesses, and places of worship.

In August, the Australian government attributed at least two such crimes to Iran and severed diplomatic ties with Tehran. An interim report from the commission in April recommended nationally consistent gun laws and a weapons buyback. The government is considering further firearms reforms.

The commission will hold additional hearings this year and issue a final report in December. Some witnesses indicated they are considering leaving Australia due to these incidents.