The families of those who died due to the Bondi Beach shooting incident have appealed to the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to order a federal royal commission into the domestic situation of antisemitism which they called “rapid rise”, saying that if no proper measures are taken, the safety of more people could be at stake.
In the horrific incident, which was one of the most shocking cases of anti-Jewish violence in Australian history, 15 people died and many others were injured when the father-son duo of Sajid and Naveed Akram opened fire at the gathering celebrating Hanukkah on December 14, 2025. The authorities have termed the occurrence an antisemitic terrorist act.
On December 29, 17 families which are victims of the horrifying incident sent a letter to the Prime Minister suggesting him to “instantly set up a Commonwealth Royal Commission” to look into the deficiencies in law enforcement, intelligence, and policy that led to the bloodshed. “We demand answers and solutions,” the families wrote, emphasizing that warning signs had been ignored and that both antisemitic hatred and extremist ideologies had grown unchecked.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declined to hold a federal inquiry, declaring that urgent action is required instead of “division and delay.” He has backed a royal commission led by New South Wales and laid out federal plans for reforms that include tighter restrictions on gun ownership, stricter laws on hate speech, and a review of the police and intelligence services.
On the other hand, the families of the victims claim that these measures are not enough and they point out the immense personal tragedy: “We have lost fathers, wives, children, and grandparents. Our dear ones were enjoying the Festival of Lights in a public area that should have been safe and secure.” You owe us answers, accountability, and the truth.” Antisemitism was given a very serious warning and it was called a national crisis that needs quick and powerful measures.
In connection with the criminals, the police killed Sajid Akram, 50, during the assault. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, is in custody and has been charged with terrorism, murder, committing a terrorist act, and planting a bomb with intent to harm. Therefore, he has not yet decided his plea.
The families concluded that a well-led Commonwealth Royal Commission, alongside concrete national measures, could help prevent further tragedies and protect Australians from the growing threat of antisemitism and extremism.
Photo Credit: AP – Annie and Arieh mourn their son Dan Elkayam, one of the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.
