Australia royal commission begins hearings to uncover causes of Bondi massacre

Commissioner Virginia Bell of Australia’s Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion set out three principal terms of the panel during its opening hearing on Tuesday.

- • By MATHILDA HELLER

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the royal commission on January 8 despite having initially resisted this route in favor of an internal inquiry. However, increasing demands from the Jewish community, political leaders, and public figures for an independent public inquiry in the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre led to his acquiescence.

The commission will explore the key factors driving antisemitism in Australia, recommendations for law enforcement on antisemitism and for social cohesion, and the circumstances surrounding the December 14 Hanukkah terrorist attack.

The first term requires the commission to investigate the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society by examining its key drivers in Australia, including religiously and ideologically motivated extremism and radicalization. This includes exploring vectors for extremist content online and in institutions.

The commission is to report on the ways in which governments can respond to antisemitism.