Calls for Inquiry into Rising Anti-Semitism in Australia

After a tragic attack on a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach, families of the victims are urging a national inquiry into the escalating anti-Semitism in Australia. In an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, relatives of the eleven individuals killed during the incident highlighted the urgent need to address what they describe as a “rapid” and “dangerous” rise in anti-Jewish sentiment following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Bondi Beach Attack

The horrific event occurred on December 14, when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in the deaths of fifteen people, most of whom were Jewish. Authorities identified the suspects, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, as individuals motivated by extremist ideologies, particularly from the ISIL group.

Families Demand Accountability

In their letter, the families expressed deep concern for their safety and called for accountability, asking why “clear warning signs were ignored” and how anti-Semitic hatred was “allowed to dangerously grow unchecked.” They shared the emotional toll, stating, “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.”

Government Response

The families criticized the response from Albanese’s Labor government, which included proposals to tighten gun laws and implement stricter hate speech legislation. They insisted, “The dangerous rise of antisemitism and radicalism in Australia is not going away. We need strong action now. We need leadership now.”

Independent Review Announced

On the same day the families released their letter, Albanese announced an independent review to evaluate whether law enforcement and intelligence agencies could have acted more decisively to prevent the attack. While the government has faced calls for a public inquiry, officials argue that such an investigation would be time-consuming and could exacerbate social tensions.

Social Climate and Rising Extremism

In a recent statement, Albanese emphasized the need for unity in the face of violence, declaring, “Just over two weeks ago, anti-Semitic terrorists tried to tear our country apart, but our country is stronger than these cowards.” He condemned the actions aimed at the Jewish community during the Bondi Beach attack, highlighting the importance of collective response against hatred.

Growing Concerns

Amid these events, anti-Semitic, anti-Islam, and anti-immigration sentiments are on the rise in Australia. Concerns over right-wing extremism have been growing, especially considering that nearly half of Australia’s population is either born overseas or has immigrant parents.

Public Demonstrations

In September, protests erupted in major cities like Sydney, Perth, Canberra, and Brisbane, where marchers demanded an end to what they referred to as “mass migration.” The Australian government condemned these demonstrations as racist, with Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly labeling them as organized by hate groups.

Increasing Incidents of Hate

Statistics illustrate a worrying trend, showing a significant increase in anti-Jewish and Islamophobic incidents since October 7, 2023. According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, there were 1,654 recorded anti-Jewish incidents from October 2024 to September 2025, following over 2,060 in the prior year. Simultaneously, Islamophobia Register Australia documented hundreds of incidents, highlighting a growing menace to various communities.

Criticism of the IHRA Definition

Numerous rights organizations, including some Jewish groups, have criticized the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, arguing it often conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish sentiment.

International Fallout

In the wake of the Bondi Beach attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Albanese’s government for its perceived failure to safeguard the Jewish community in Australia and linked the shooting to Australia’s acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood.

Conclusion

The recent events following the attack at Bondi Beach underscore a pressing issue: the rise of anti-Semitism and the need for significant action to address this crisis. As communities grapple with these challenges, the call for leadership and unity remains paramount.

• Victims’ families are demanding a national inquiry into rising anti-Semitism in Australia.
• A tragic attack on a Jewish celebration in Bondi Beach left fifteen people dead.
• The Australian government faces growing criticism over its handling of anti-Jewish sentiment.
• Statistics reveal a sharp rise in incidents of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia since October 2023.