Anti-Semitism royal commission begins hearings months after 15 killed in alleged Bondi terror attack
Witnesses will be called to share their experiences of antisemitism as the first hearings at the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion begin, months after 15 people were killed in an alleged terror attack at a Jewish event.
After Naveed Akram and his father Sajid allegedly opened fire at the Chanukah Seaside event on December 14 last year, 15 innocent people died and dozens were injured.
Akram has yet to plead no contest to 59 charges, including 40 attempted murder. His father was shot and killed by the police. The couple was allegedly inspired by ISIS.
The first block of public hearings will begin on Monday before royal commissioner Virginia Bell on Clarence Street in the Sydney CBD.
The two-week hearing will consider the definition of antisemitism, its prevalence in Australia, and how to assess its prevalence in society and institutions.
Many witnesses are expected to be called to share their experiences of antisemitism over the two weeks.
“This commission is the most significant national review of anti-Semitism in Australian history,” Peter Wertheim, co-chairman of the Executive Council of Australian Jews, said in a statement.
“Over the next two weeks, the country will hear from the people who govern our community, as well as from ordinary Australians who have experienced what happens when words of hate go unchallenged for long enough that they cease to be just words.
“The Jewish community is approaching this with Australians asking Australian institutions to take an honest look at what is happening in this country and what needs to change.”
Since public seating inside the building will be limited, citizens will be able to watch the proceedings via livestream.
Why did Albanians call the royal commission?
Anthony Albanese announces royal commission 8 to 25 days after Bondi Beach attacks, after weeks of pressure on government
The government had ordered a review of the actions of security agencies before the attack on former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson, but argued the royal commission could de-platform anti-Semitism.
“I listened, and in a democracy it’s a good thing to listen to what people say,” the Prime Minister said of the backflip at the time.
“And what people are saying is, yes, we are concerned about the events and the Richardson review will take into account national security issues where there are any gaps or anything else, but we want an opportunity to tell our story about what’s going on.
“I took time to reflect, meet with leaders of the Jewish community, and most importantly, I met with the families of the victims and survivors of this horrific attack.
“It is clear to me that a royal commission is required to achieve this.”
The Royal Commission will cover four key areas, including:
– combating antisemitism by exploring the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society, and its key drivers in Australia, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalization;
– Make recommendations to assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies in combating anti-Semitism;
– Examining the circumstances surrounding the anti-Semitic Bondi terrorist attack on December 14, 2025
– Make other recommendations arising from the inquiry to strengthen social cohesion in Australia and counter the spread of ideologically and religiously motivated extremism.
The Prime Minister said at the time: “The Royal Commission is not the beginning or the end of what Australia needs to do to stamp out antisemitism, protect ourselves from terrorism or strengthen our social cohesion.”
“This is an ongoing national effort for all of us. Because an attack on Australian Jews is an attack on all Australians.”
Interim report delivered
The start of the public hearings comes just days after Ms Bell published an interim report making 14 recommendations, all of which Mr Albanese promised to accept.
The recommendations include calls to increase security during the Jewish High Holy Days and Jewish festivals and to improve counterterrorism cooperation between federal and state agencies.
The state of the nation’s gun laws has also been put under the spotlight, with Ms Bell suggesting that efforts at a national gun buyback plan and efforts to introduce an updated and more coherent national firearms agreement should be prioritized.
He also asked for the role of the Commonwealth’s counter-terrorism coordinator to be full-time.
If another recommendation is implemented, Mr Albanese will be required to take part in counter-terrorism exercises with all ministers on the National Security Committee within nine months of each federal election.
Five of the recommendations were kept secret for national security reasons.
Mr Albanese said he would “respond quickly” to the recommendations.
The royal commission’s final report is expected to be published on December 14, more than a year after the deadly attack.
