Jewish Australians Testify on Rising Anti-Semitism

Jewish Australians testified before a royal commission on Monday, detailing how they no longer feel safe due to rising anti-Semitism following the Bondi Beach mass shooting that killed 15 people and injured 40. Witnesses described incidents of threats, discrimination, and public fear during the first day of phase II hearings, which began February 24.

Sheina Gutnick, daughter of Reuven Morrison who died tackling the gunmen Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, recounted receiving hundreds of online messages saying she should have been killed alongside her father. She described living in a constant state of fear and feeling unsafe in public places. "I saw people trying to excuse and justify the events as only anti-Zionist," Gutnick told the commission.

Holocaust survivor Peter Halasz recalled his mother's execution by Nazis during World War II and expressed alarm at the current climate. "Jews in Australia have become targets," he stated, noting that he never imagined wearing a Star of David publicly would again be cause for fear. Anonymous witnesses described incidents such as Nazi salutes performed by substitute teachers without disciplinary action.

Commissioner Virginia Bell acknowledged a sharp spike in anti-Semitism linked to events in the Middle East, particularly since October 2023 following Israel's military offensive in Gaza after Hamas attacks. The commission has received nearly 7,500 submissions and will deliver its final report on the anniversary of the shooting.