Families of Bondi Beach Terror Attack Victims Call for Commonwealth Royal Commission on Antisemitism
In the wake of the deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach during Hanukah on 14 December, which resulted in 15 fatalities, 11 of the victims' families have signed an open letter calling for a Commonwealth royal commission. The letter urges a thorough investigation into antisemitism and related law enforcement failures concerning the attack.
The families have expressed concerns that antisemitic hatred and Islamic extremism have been allowed to grow unchecked in Australia, demanding answers about missed warning signs and the adequacy of protections for citizens. One alleged attacker, Naveed Akram, charged with 15 counts of murder, had previously been investigated by ASIO in 2019 over associations with an Islamic State cell; despite this, his father was later granted a firearms licence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has so far resisted calls for a federal royal commission, advocating instead for cooperation with a New South Wales-ordered royal commission and a limited federal inquiry led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson focusing on national intelligence and policing structures. However, opposition parties including the federal Coalition have supported the call for a nationwide inquiry, with Nationals leader David Littleproud urging the Prime Minister to establish the royal commission.
The open letter emphasizes that antisemitism is a national crisis that requires a robust, national response transcending state boundaries.
As of Monday morning following the attack, nine patients remained hospitalized in Sydney with injuries from the shooting, three in critical but stable condition.
