Full details of Bondi attack won’t be heard by royal commission, inquiry head says at first public hearing

The Guardian World

by Daisy Dumas

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The royal commission into antisemitism in Australia has decided to limit its investigation into key aspects of the Bondi beach terror attack due to ongoing criminal proceedings. This decision was made during the first public hearing of the inquiry, held in Sydney 10 weeks after the tragic December 14th Hanukkah event that left 15 people dead and 40 injured. The commission's chairperson, Virginia Bell, emphasized that reducing the scope of the inquiry is necessary to avoid prejudicing criminal cases. This means certain details about how the attack unfolded will not be examined publicly during this royal commission. Instead, the focus will shift to broader issues related to antisemitism and social cohesion in Australia. By excluding specific details tied to the Bondi attack, the commission aims to respect the legal process and ensure fairness for those involved in criminal investigations. This approach highlights the delicate balance between conducting a comprehensive inquiry and upholding the principles of justice and due process. Moving forward, the royal commission will concentrate on understanding the broader societal challenges faced by Jewish communities in Australia. The inquiry will explore how antisemitism is addressed in public institutions, media, and online spaces, as well as its impact on community relations. This shift in focus underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues while respecting ongoing legal proceedings. The decision to limit the inquiry's scope has sparked discussions about the balance between transparency and judicial fairness. While some may argue that less attention is being given to the Bondi attack itself, others see this as a necessary step to ensure that justice is served without interference from external investigations. Overall, the royal commission's approach reflects a commitment to addressing antisemitism in a broader societal context, while also respecting the legal process. This balance will be crucial as the inquiry continues to examine how Jewish communities can feel safe and supported in Australia.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026