Families Demand Royal Commission After Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Grieving families affected by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack have issued a powerful open letter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, demanding the establishment of a royal commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. On December 14, 2025, brothers Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. This tragedy has prompted calls for accountability and a national response to the rising threat of anti-Semitism in Australia.

The letter, signed by the families of 11 victims, highlights the deep emotional impact of the attack. Among the victims were 10-year-old Matilda and 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman. The relatives of those who heroically attempted to disarm the gunmen, including Sofia and Boris Gurman, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and others, have united in their demand for answers from the government.

“You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth,” the letter states. The families express their concern that Jewish Australians now live in fear, stating, “Our children feel unsafe at school and university. Our homes, workplaces, sporting fields, and public spaces no longer feel secure.”

The families assert that the rise of anti-Semitism is not limited to one region but represents a national crisis requiring urgent governmental action. They argue that the failure to address this issue has allowed hate and extremism to flourish unchecked.

In a recent interview, Sheina Gutnick, daughter of victim Reuven Morrison, emphasized the importance of collective action among the families. “My father was murdered, leaving behind his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. Matilda was murdered. Eli Schlanger was murdered, leaving behind five children, including a six-week-old baby,” she stated. “So many families have been ripped apart; this is something that impacts all of us here in Australia.”

The letter further details the families’ frustrations with the government’s response. They criticize the lack of a royal commission, arguing that similar inquiries have been established for other incidents, such as the banking sector and aged care, but not for this devastating attack. “How can you not support a royal commission into the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil?” they asked.

Despite increasing pressure from various sectors, including senior political figures and community leaders, Albanese has so far declined to initiate a royal commission. In a recent statement, he noted past precedents where royal commissions were not called following high-profile attacks, such as the Port Arthur massacre and the Lindt Café siege.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has expressed support for a federal royal commission and plans to set up a state-based inquiry. Former Australian Police Chief Mick Keelty has also joined the chorus of voices advocating for a formal investigation. He argued that “anything less risks telling Australians that some truths are too difficult to face.”

The families of the victims are resolute in their call for action. They stress the need for clarity on how warning signs were ignored and what measures can be implemented to protect Australians from similar threats in the future. “We need answers. We need to understand how this occurred, and we need to ensure that this cannot happen again,” Gutnick concluded.

The letter reflects a broader concern within the Jewish community and calls for a comprehensive examination of societal attitudes towards anti-Semitism and radicalism in Australia. The families believe that proactive measures are essential to prevent further tragedies and restore a sense of safety for all Australians.