‘Clear warning signs ignored’: Bondi shooting victims’ families demand probe into ‘rise of antisemitism’ in Australia

Following the deadly terror attack in Sydney earlier this month, when two gunmen opened fire at people gathered at the iconic tourist location for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, families of the victims have demanded a federal investigation into the “rapid rise of antisemitism” in Australia in an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. On December 14, a father and son duo targeted the Jewish community in a shooting, described as an antisemitic terror attack by the authorities, killing 15 and injuring dozens of others.

Seventeen families urged Albanese to “immediately establish a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the rapid rise of antisemitism in Australia”. They also demanded a probe into “law enforcement, intelligence, and policy failures that led to the Bondi Beach massacre.”

“We demand answers and solutions,” they wrote. “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.”

Meanwhile, Albanese has resisted calls for a federal probe, saying that there is a need for urgent action rather than waiting “years for answers”.

“We need to get on with any changes that are required,” he told reporters Monday. “I have nothing except sympathy for those families. My job, as prime minister, is to look at how we build unity, how we build social cohesion, how we do what the nation needs at what is a very difficult time.”

Last week, the Australian prime minister said that a royal commission led by New South Wales, where the shooting took place, would be enough and promised full support. Australia has also announced reforms in gun ownership and hate speech laws, along with a review of police and intelligence services.

However, the families of the victims have alleged that the government’s response is “not nearly enough.”

‘National crisis’

“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,” the letter said. “You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth.”

They added that the rise of antisemitism in Australia was a “national crisis”, adding that the threat was 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.”