An investigation into anti-Semitism was launched in Australia on Tuesday in light of the bloody Bondi Beach attack, which targeted a Jewish celebration last December and led to 15 deaths. The royal commission, one of the most powerful Australian government investigations, is expected to announce its findings by next December.

Published on: 02/24/2026 - 14:03 Last updated: 02/24/2026 - 14:10

On Tuesday, the judiciary in Australia, supported by the government, began an investigation into anti-Semitism, after a shooting targeting a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach last December resulted in the deaths of 15 people.

The attack, which targeted a celebration of the Jewish Festival of Lights (Hanukkah), shocked a country that imposes strict laws on firearms, and launched calls for stricter oversight and stronger measures against anti-Semitism.

The Royal Commission, which is the most powerful type of government investigation in Australia, will conduct this investigation and can compel people to testify, and it will be chaired by retired judge Virginia Bell.

The committee will look into the incidents of the shooting, as well as anti-Semitism and social cohesion in the country, and is expected to announce the results of the investigation by next December.

In her opening statement to a Sydney court on Tuesday, Bell said security arrangements for the event would form a major part of the committee's work. She continued: “The committee needs to investigate the security arrangements for that event, and submit a report on whether the intelligence and law enforcement agencies performed their work as effectively as possible.”

Police say that the two accused militants, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, were inspired by the extremist "Islamic State" organization.

Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed, who was injured but survived, is currently facing charges including 15 counts of murder and one count of terrorism.

Bell also said that under ongoing legal procedures, no potential witnesses in Akram's trial will be called to testify before the same committee.

France 24/Reuters

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