The Bondi Beach royal commission is a national reckoning
Sydney Morning Herald
by The Herald's ViewFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, established in response to the tragic Bondi Beach terrorist attack, has begun its work under former High Court judge Virginia Bell. This commission aims to address the legacy of the December 14 massacre, which claimed 15 lives and left 40 injured during a Hanukkah celebration. The process is expected to be challenging, as it must navigate overlapping jurisdictions, pending legal cases, and the complex social and political implications of the attack.
One key issue is the court case stemming from the terrorist incident, involving Naveed Akram, who was wounded in the attack and whose father, Sajid Akram, was killed. The royal commission will proceed with caution, starting with opening statements before visiting Bondi Beach to meet affected families and explain its scope. However, the commission’s work cannot fully avoid being influenced by ongoing legal proceedings.
Another critical aspect is the review of security failures led by Dennis Richardson, a former director-general of ASIO. This inquiry will assess whether federal, state, and territory agencies effectively prevented the attack, examining their powers, information-sharing protocols, and decision-making processes. Additionally, the commission must address whether broader geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict in Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, contributed to the rise of antisemitism in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese established the royal commission following public pressure, recognizing the attack’s profound impact on Australian society. The commission’s work is a national reckoning, aiming to foster transparency and improve policies to prevent future tragedies. Its findings will be crucial for understanding how antisemitism intersects with international conflicts and domestic security, offering lessons for addressing similar challenges globally.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/23/2026