Bondi Shooting Inquiry Opens with Testimony on Antisemitism

Australia on Monday began public hearings as part of an inquiry into the December shooting at Bondi Beach, with representatives of the Jewish community testifying about rising antisemitism.

The attack during a Hanukkah celebration left 15 people dead and prompted calls for tougher gun laws as well as measures against Jew-hatred. Former judge Virginia Bell, who is leading the inquiry, said the first phase of hearings would focus on the extent and nature of antisemitism.

She said the increase in hostile speech was linked to events in the Middle East and showed how quickly conflicts could spill over into domestic life.

Witnesses described a deteriorating sense of security. Holocaust survivor Peter Halasz said the developments reminded him of the 1930s and 1940s. Sheina Gutnick, who lost her father in the attack, spoke of worrying about her children’s safety and weighing the risks on a daily basis.

Other witnesses said they were considering leaving the country. Community leaders also pointed to tight security measures at schools, which they said made them resemble prisons.

The inquiry recommended strengthening security at public events and tightening anti-terrorism measures.

(reuters, bak)