Families of victims of the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, Australia, are demanding a national inquiry into rising anti-Semitism following the deadly incident earlier this month. In an open letter published Monday, relatives of 11 victims called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to launch a royal commission to investigate what they described as a rapid increase in anti-Jewish sentiment since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.
The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulted in the deaths of 15 people, most of whom were Jewish. Two gunmen opened fire on the gathering, prompting a large-scale police response. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the safety and security of Jewish communities in Australia.
"We believe a thorough and independent investigation is necessary to understand the root causes of this rising anti-Semitism and to develop effective strategies to combat it," the open letter stated. The families argue that the current measures in place are insufficient to address the growing threat.
A royal commission is the highest form of inquiry in Australia, possessing significant powers to compel witnesses and examine evidence. Its findings can lead to policy changes and legal reforms. The families hope a royal commission will provide a comprehensive assessment of anti-Semitism in Australia and recommend concrete actions to address it.
The Prime Minister's office acknowledged receipt of the letter and stated that the government is "carefully considering" the request. Albanese has previously condemned the Bondi Beach attack as a "horrific act of violence" and pledged to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.
The call for a national inquiry comes amid ongoing debates about the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on social cohesion in Australia. Some community leaders have expressed concern that the conflict is fueling anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), the peak representative body for the Jewish community, has welcomed the families' call for a royal commission. "We believe a comprehensive inquiry is essential to understand the full extent of anti-Semitism in Australia and to develop effective strategies to combat it," said ECAJ President, Jillian Segal.
The Australian government is expected to announce its decision on whether to launch a royal commission in the coming weeks. The decision will likely be influenced by public opinion, political considerations, and the findings of preliminary investigations into the Bondi Beach attack.
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