The families in mourning have called for the establishment of a commission to investigate “the swift increase in antisemitism in Australia following Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023, and the failures in law enforcement, intelligence, and policy that resulted in the Bondi Beach tragedy,” according to a letter featured in Nine newspapers.
“We demand answers and solutions,” they insisted.
“We must understand why apparent warning signs were overlooked, how antisemitic hostility and Islamic extremism were permitted to escalate unchecked, and what measures are necessary to safeguard all Australians in the future.”
While the prime minister has so far resisted demands for a royal commission, he emphasizes the importance of implementing immediate reforms and adjustments.
In response, the government has commissioned an independent review of the attack and its surrounding circumstances, with findings expected by April next year.
Meanwhile, Bondi is preparing to honor the memory of the moment when the terror attack occurred.
“Announcements made so far by the federal government in response to the Bondi massacre are not nearly enough,” the families wrote.
“Prime Minister, how can you not support a royal commission into the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil? Royal commissions have been established for banks and for aged care.”
The NSW government is holding a state-based royal commission, and the letter-writers said there was “unprecedented” support for a federal one as the problem of rising antisemitism extended far beyond state borders.
“You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth,” they wrote.
Albanese has previously defended his stance by pointing out that no federal royal commissions were held in the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre or the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege.
However, critics – including the families who signed the letter – say that there have been years of escalating attacks on the Jewish community without sufficient response from authorities.
You can read the letter from the victims’ families in full below.
The families of those murdered at Bondi call for a commonwealth royal commission
We, the families of those killed and injured in the Bondi Beach massacre, call on the Prime Minister to immediately establish a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the rapid rise of antisemitism in Australia following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, and the law enforcement, intelligence, and policy failures that led to the Bondi Beach massacre.
We demand answers and solutions.
We need to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how antisemitic hatred and Islamic extremism were allowed to dangerously grow unchecked, and what changes must be made to protect all Australians going forward.
As proud Australians and proud Jews, we have endured more than two and a half years of relentless attacks. Our children feel unsafe at school and university. Our homes, workplaces, sporting fields, and public spaces no longer feel secure. It is an intolerable situation that no Australian should have to endure.
Announcements made so far by the federal government in response to the Bondi massacre are not nearly enough.
Prime Minister, how can you not support a Royal Commission into the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil? Royal Commissions have been established for banks and for aged care.
We have lost parents, spouses, children, and grandparents.
Our loved ones were celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach, a festival of light and joy, in an iconic public space that should have been safe.
You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth.
Senior legal, security, and political leaders from across the country have come together in an unprecedented display of public support for a Commonwealth Royal Commission. The rise of antisemitism in Australia goes far beyond one state jurisdiction. It is a national crisis that demands a powerful national response.
In just the past few days following the Bondi attack, a Jewish family’s car was firebombed, and a man in Western Australia was arrested after posting messages of support following the Bondi attack while stockpiling weapons and in possession of Hamas and Hezbollah flags. This threat is real, and it is escalating.
The dangerous rise of antisemitism and radicalism in Australia is not going away.
We need strong action now. We need leadership now.
You cannot bring back our loved ones. But with a well-led Commonwealth Royal Commission and strong action, you may be able to save many more.
