Jewish Australians have reported a dramatic increase in online harassment and intimidation after providing evidence at the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion. Commissioner Virginia Bell disclosed on Tuesday that at least one instance of such harassment has been referred to the Australian federal police for investigation.
Commissioner's Statement on Harassment
Before the start of hearings, Bell addressed the issue directly, stating: “There is something I would like to say, and it concerns the harassment and intimidation to which members of the Jewish community who have given evidence before this commission have been subject.” She noted that multiple witnesses had reported a “dramatic increase in online hate messages” following their testimony. Bell emphasised that the commission is “keeping a close eye” on these incidents and recording offensive social media posts. She expressed dismay at the level of hatred directed towards the Jewish community, stating, “Quite what this undiluted level of hatred and bigotry … is thought to benefit by those who post these remarks is lost on me.” She reiterated that one of the commission’s principal objectives is to understand the lived experience of antisemitism, and such conduct informs that understanding.
Context of Hearings
The commission has been holding public hearings focused on the lived experience of antisemitism in Australia. Earlier this month, a fortnightly block of hearings examined this issue. During the proceedings, New South Wales police officers gave evidence regarding their preparations for the Chanukah by the Sea celebration in December last year.
Details of the Bondi Beach Attack
On the evening of 14 December, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed opened fire from a footbridge above Archer Park at Bondi Beach, targeting a beachside Hanukah celebration for the local Jewish community. The attack resulted in 15 deaths. Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police, while Naveed was wounded and remains in custody, facing charges including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, which investigators allege may have been inspired by Islamic State. The commission heard that within 30 seconds of opening fire, the gunmen had shot 11 people, fatally wounding 10. The pair was subdued after seven minutes and 41 seconds.
Police Response and Aftermath
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna told the commission that the Bondi massacre had profoundly affected police operations. “Australia’s changed since this horrific terrorist attack. The way we go about our business, the way we go about our policing has changed since that attack,” he said. He added, “The world’s changed for us since 14 December 2025.” McKenna acknowledged that police resources are limited across widespread demands and that there was no specific intelligence indicating a planned attack at the Hanukah event. “We have to have specific intelligence for us to action. Otherwise, Pitt Street Mall could have been the location of an attack. The midnight mass could have been the location of a specific attack. We just don’t know and we can’t guess.” He noted that police bearing long-arms are now deployed at community events, reflecting a changed security environment.
Risk Assessment and Policing Decisions
McKenna rejected suggestions that police had underestimated the threat to the Jewish community or assigned too low a risk profile to the beachside event. The Jewish organisation Community Security Group had requested a static police presence at the event. Instead, officers were given a “mobile tasking” to repeatedly visit the site, with an email stating there was “no need to stay the entire duration.” The email from the eastern suburbs operations inspector told two command inspectors days before the event: “Please take a car crew or two with you and provide a [high-visibility police] presence. No need to stay the entire duration, but your presence will ensure the community feel safe.” Four police were at Archer Park when the gunmen opened fire. McKenna emphasised that the issue was not about the response but about how the two men were able to carry out the attack without prior knowledge.
