Families in Bondi call for national investigation into Australia's antisemitism rise

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Families impacted by the Bondi Beach mass shooting have called for an independent national investigation into antisemitism in Australia, citing failures in law enforcement, intelligence, and policies that they believe allowed the attack to happen. Sajid and Naveed Akram, a father and son duo, are accused of targeting a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, resulting in 15 deaths and dozens of injuries. Authorities described the incident as an antisemitic terrorist attack.

Seventeen families presented an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging the government to establish a Royal Commission to address the surge in antisemitism across the country and scrutinize what went wrong in law enforcement and intelligence agencies leading up to the tragedy. The families emphasized the need for answers and solutions, questioning why warning signs were ignored and extremism was allowed to escalate unchecked.

Albanese has opposed the call for a federal inquiry, advocating instead for action now and pointing to a Royal Commission led by New South Wales, where the attack occurred, which he assured would get full support. The government has proposed reforms to gun laws, hate speech regulations, and investigations into police and intelligence efforts.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke expressed concern that a national commission might serve as a platform for some of the worst antisemitic rhetoric, which he believes could undermine national unity and security. Meanwhile, the families argue that the federal response is insufficient and that antisemitism remains a persistent threat that must be addressed decisively.

The victims’ families described their loss—parents, children, spouses, and grandparents—while mourning in a space that should have been safe and joyful. They insist that the government owes them transparency and accountability, warning that the rise of antisemitism constitutes a national crisis that needs immediate and strong action to prevent further tragedies.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police. He entered Australia on a visa in 1998, originally from India. His 24-year-old son Naveed, a naturalized Australian citizen, remains in custody on multiple charges, including terrorism-related offenses, multiple murders, and planning a terrorist act with explosive devices.