January 8, 2026
Australia: Royal Commission into the Bondi massacre
תמונה: ויקיפדיה
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the establishment of a Royal Commission.
This is the most powerful investigative commission that can be established in Australia.
The commission will focus on the severe massacre at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
The massacre occurred during Hanukkah.
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Two terrorists opened fire on people attending a Hanukkah party on the beach. Fifteen people were killed in the attack. Among the victims were a Holocaust survivor and a ten-year-old girl.
The incident shocked Australia and the Jewish community worldwide. At first, Prime Minister Albanese opposed the Royal Commission. He said it was a long and complicated process. However, he faced significant criticism. The Jewish community demanded a serious investigation. They wanted a commission to also investigate the rise in antisemitism in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the pressure. He agreed to establish a Royal Commission. The commission will examine the massacre itself. It will also investigate what happened before the event and the reasons behind the rise in antisemitism. The investigators will review documents and hear witnesses. They will be granted broad authority by the state. The goal is to ensure the safety of Jews in the country.
The Jewish community has criticized the judge chosen to head the commission. She is associated with the left in Australia. Nevertheless, the investigation is already underway. It is expected to present its conclusions in April.