The abomination on Bondi Beach is a failure that extends beyond any politician or party

First, institutional reform with real enforcement mechanisms. The fact that a terrorist whom the authorities have known for 6 years could carry out such an attack reveals that a systemic functioning has been broken. We need structural changes in how intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and political leaders identify, evaluate, train, communicate with each other, and respond to threats posed from within and without. I believe this will be achieved with the participation of Dennis Richardson.

Second, cultural leadership beyond legislation. Governments will enact and strengthen laws criminalizing hate speech and hate preaching. These changes are necessary but not sufficient. Laws tell us what not to do. They do not inspire us about what we should be.

Australia needs cultural, educational, business and civic leaders to actively model and defend pluralistic values. We need leaders in schools to explain why diversity makes us stronger. We need them in boardrooms to show that inclusion is a competitive advantage, not a compliance exercise. We need them in community centers to build bridges between groups that fear each other.

This cannot be delegated to the government. It requires everyone who believes in Australian values ​​to speak loudly and often. Saying that it is not right to expose Jewish artists. It is not right for a senior scientist working at a prestigious hospital to peddle a conspiracy theory that antisemitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney were Mossad false flag operations, or that the “Zionist lobby” influenced ASIO and the government to blame Iran for these attacks. This is unacceptable behavior by those who hold privileged and respected leadership positions.

Third, transparency and trust building. We need regular and transparent reporting on the implementation of the royal commission’s recommendations, as well as immediate implementation of the report by special envoy on antisemitism, Jillian Segal. Once trust is shaken, it can only be rebuilt slowly and with commitment over time.

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There will be difficult political choices ahead of us. We need a more robust response to deal with those who do not share our Australian values ​​or bring old hatred and violence from elsewhere. Immigration is a wonderful thing, as long as those who want to enjoy all the freedoms and benefits of Australia also submit to our values ​​and shared responsibilities.

Fourth, recognition that this threatens everyone. Antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem, just as attacks on Muslims, Christians, Hindus, or any other community are not isolated concerns. When hate targets a group based on identity, it threatens the entire social fabric that protects us all.

Finally, education as prevention. We need comprehensive educational programs about the Holocaust, the history and present-day manifestations of antisemitism, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
in a diverse democracy.

Young Australians must understand that the freedoms they enjoy have been hard won and remain fragile. Tolerance is not passive acceptance but active participation in difference. Democracy needs citizens, not just voters.

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Australia now faces a decisive choice. We could treat Bondi as an aberration, a terrifying event that required a brief period of activity before returning to business as usual. Or we might see this as a moment that requires a renewed commitment to Australia’s true values.

The test of our leadership and indeed our national character is not whether we investigate or not. What matters is whether we have the courage to put their findings into practice and confront the uncomfortable truths about how we got to this point.

Australians everywhere have been speaking out over the last few weeks. The Jewish community has been overwhelmed by the empathy and support from so many other Australians. Business leaders, sports heroes, lawyers and millions of Australians with little interest in politics have called for a royal commission as the path to a better future.

That’s why I’m optimistic about Australia. A hitherto silent majority of good people have now spoken. Now is the time for collective action. The Western world is watching us.

The question is whether our society has the will to make this happen. Fifteen people died because we did not have the faith to act on clear warnings. The royal commission will tell us what went wrong and set a direction for urgent change.

The rest is up to us. Every Australian who believes in the values ​​of tolerance and mutual respect must speak out, take action and hold our leaders accountable for upholding these values.

We will know we have succeeded when we no longer need armed guards outside our Jewish schools, synagogues and institutions. The time for sleepwalking is over.

Steven Lowy is the former co-chief executive of Westfield Corporation.

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