Royal Commission on Antisemitism Excludes Bondi Attack Details
The inaugural public hearing of the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion commenced in Sydney on Tuesday, with Commissioner Virginia Bell outlining significant limitations on its scope. The inquiry will deliberately avoid examining key elements of the Bondi beach terror attack that occurred on 14 December, during which 15 individuals lost their lives and 40 others sustained injuries at a Hanukah event.
Scope Reduced to Protect Criminal Proceedings
In her opening statement, former High Court Justice Virginia Bell explicitly stated that the commission's scope would be curtailed to prevent any prejudice to ongoing criminal proceedings. "An individual has been charged with a terrorism offence and with 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of attempted murder arising out of the attack," Bell declared. "The trial of that individual will be the occasion to lead evidence of the attack. This commission must do its work without risking any prejudice to that criminal proceeding."
Bell acknowledged that many might anticipate the commission would hear detailed evidence about the attack itself, including acts of heroism by those who confronted the shooters or provided medical aid. However, she emphasized that such testimony must be reserved for the criminal trial. The commissioner plans to meet with families of the deceased later this week in less formal settings to further explain these limitations.
Focus on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
The commission will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism, described as "a certain perception of Jews which may be expressed as a hatred towards Jews." This definition encompasses antisemitism directed at Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, and Jewish community institutions. Bell clarified, however, that "criticism of the policies that may be pursued by the government of Israel from time to time is not, of itself, antisemitic."
Key objectives of the inquiry include:
- Identifying antisemitic conduct and its underlying drivers within Australian society.
- Examining how law enforcement and security agencies address antisemitic conduct and protect Jewish communities.
- Investigating the circumstances leading up to the Bondi attack.
Bell encouraged public submissions, particularly from Jewish Australians who have experienced antisemitism in various settings such as schools, universities, or workplaces. She noted that while antisemitism represents one of the oldest forms of prejudice, the inquiry would also consider broader issues affecting other religions, ethnicities, and cultures in Australia.
Tight Timeline for a Complex Task
Despite the commission's mandate to deliver a final report by the first anniversary of the attack, Bell acknowledged that building social cohesion is a long-term endeavor. "Examining the ways in which we might strengthen social cohesion in Australia could well be the work of years, not months," she stated. "One small part of coming to terms with the events of that evening will be the work of this commission. I regard the delivery of my report on or before the first anniversary as a matter of critical importance."
Senior counsel assisting the commission, Richard Lancaster, described the December attack as a "truly horrifying event" that caused immense trauma and deep sadness among Jewish Australians, Bondi community members, and visitors. He emphasized that social cohesion relies on "mutual acceptance of our respective democratic freedoms exercised according to law" and begins with empathy.
The commission has also incorporated an intelligence and security review led by former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation head Dennis Richardson, broadening its investigative framework beyond immediate antisemitism concerns.
