BREAKING: Olympic champion Ian Thorpe and fellow swimmer Grant Hackett are spearheading an urgent campaign for a Royal Commission into anti-Semitism following the tragic Bondi Beach attacks on December 14, 2025, that left 15 people dead. The duo is rallying support from over 60 sporting legends to address the rising tide of violence and hate in Australia.
In an official statement, Thorpe emphasized the need for immediate protections for all communities affected by hate. “The hate experienced by the Jewish community and our whole community in Bondi and beyond was abhorrent and unjustified,” he declared. “This is not the Australia I know and love.”
The call to action follows the horrific attacks during a Hanukkah gathering, which intensified demands for government intervention against escalating anti-Semitism. Despite state governments in New South Wales and Victoria proposing legislation changes, the federal government is under increasing pressure to respond decisively.
Just this week, over 100 industry bodies urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in an open letter to address anti-Semitism. Thorpe and Hackett’s campaign reflects a broader sentiment within the sporting community, where leaders are uniting against hate.
“When our values are tested, Australians expect strength and leadership — and the tragedy at Bondi was a defining moment for who we are as a nation,” Hackett stated.
The former Olympic stars are joined by a host of sports figures, including tennis icon Lleyton Hewitt and AFL stars Isaac Heeney and Brad Fittler, all rallying for a comprehensive inquiry into extremism and the events leading to the Bondi attack. “Our response must match the gravity of this moment — Australia must act,” Hackett urged.
The group’s open letter reflects on the deadliest terrorist attack in Australia’s history, underscoring it as not merely an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of rising extremism and radicalization in recent years. “This attack did not occur in isolation. It followed more than two years of escalating extremism, intimidation, and unchecked radicalization within Australia,” they wrote.
Thorpe and Hackett’s campaign highlights the urgent need for government action. “We must also put an end to the unprecedented harassment, intimidation, and violence that has been directed at the Australian Jewish community since October 7, 2023,” they added. “This is a national crisis, and it demands a national response.”
The statement from the sporting leaders emphasizes the critical role of sport in uniting diverse communities and promoting values of fairness and dignity. “Today, we cannot remain silent. This is not who we are. This is not the Australia we represented,” they concluded.
As the campaign gains traction, the focus is now on the federal government to respond swiftly and effectively. With mounting public pressure and widespread support from various sectors, the next steps in this unfolding crisis will be closely watched by Australians and the international community alike.
This urgent call for a Royal Commission marks a pivotal moment in Australia’s fight against hate and extremism, aiming to ensure safety and dignity for all citizens, regardless of background.
