A recent tragic incident at Bondi Beach has triggered a nationwide campaign for a federal royal commission to address rising anti-Semitism and violence against Jewish Australians. On the first night of Hanukkah, a shooting attack claimed the lives of 15 individuals and injured dozens more, leaving the community in shock and mourning. Among those affected was David Baxby, a prominent investment manager, who received a distressing phone call from his wife while she and their two daughters sheltered in a bathroom at Harry’s Cafe.
Baxby described the harrowing experience, stating, “I’ve never felt more scared, or frankly, more powerless, than I did in those 15 minutes.” The chaos of the situation left his family bruised and traumatized, highlighting the intense fear that engulfed the area as gunmen opened fire. The attack targeted Jewish Australians celebrating Hanukkah, intensifying calls for urgent action against anti-Semitic violence.
In the wake of the tragedy, Baxby and a coalition of influential business leaders have raised over $200,000 to support their campaign for a royal commission. More than 2,500 individuals have signed an open letter directed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging for a robust inquiry into anti-Semitism and a unified response to extremism across the nation. The letter emphasizes the need for “unified political leadership” and “decisive action to root out all forms of extremism.”
The coordinated message from this group of business leaders is appearing in various Australian newspapers, including those in the ACM network. Their efforts come in response to a growing chorus of voices from Jewish organizations, former judges, politicians, and national security experts advocating for a comprehensive investigation into the Bondi attack and broader anti-Semitic sentiments.
Baxby underscored the significance of the campaign, stating, “These are ordinary business owners, community members, husbands, wives, children, uncles, who simply upon hearing that there is a way for them to contribute, have dug in their pockets and said, we think this is important enough for us to spend a significant amount of money on in order to get the answers that everyone deserves.”
As a resident of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Baxby expressed his frustration with the government’s initial reluctance to consider a royal commission. He noted a disturbing trend of increasing anti-Semitism, including incidents of firebombings at synagogues and vandalism against Jewish homes. “I have many friends in the Jewish community… the terror that their children felt simply going to school,” he remarked, feeling a sense of guilt over the normalization of such violence.
Following significant public pressure, Prime Minister Albanese addressed the issue during a press conference, indicating a shift in the government’s stance. He announced that the federal government would support a New South Wales-led royal commission into the Bondi attack and would “examine everything” necessary to foster unity within the nation. He stated, “I’m talking and meeting on a daily basis with people to make sure that we do everything that is possible to… promote unity at this time, and that is my focus.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing the government’s commitment to immediate action, while also leaving the door open for a potential royal commission. Parliament is expected to reconvene before January 26 to expedite legislation aimed at combating hate speech. Proposed laws will include new criminal offenses for religious leaders who incite violence and provisions to revoke visas for individuals promoting hate.
Additionally, Prime Minister Albanese outlined his priority for a review of intelligence and security agencies, an effort being led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson. The government aims to strengthen its approach to safeguarding the community from extremism in the wake of the Bondi attack and similar incidents.
As the campaign for a royal commission gains momentum, the call for accountability and action against anti-Semitism resonates across Australia, highlighting the urgent need for collective efforts to ensure the safety and unity of all communities.
