Australian Jews have reported a significant surge in hate incidents leading up to the Bondi Hanukkah massacre, according to testimony given at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Sydney. Sheina Gutnick, a community representative, provided evidence on Monday, May 4, 2026, detailing a pattern of escalating antisemitic attacks across the country.
Rising Tide of Antisemitism
The inquiry heard that Jewish communities have faced increasing hostility, including verbal abuse, vandalism, and physical assaults. Gutnick emphasized that the Bondi Hanukkah massacre was not an isolated event but the culmination of a broader trend. She called for stronger government action to protect minority groups and promote social harmony.
Community Concerns
Witnesses described a climate of fear, with many Jews feeling unsafe in public spaces. The commission aims to investigate the root causes of antisemitism and recommend measures to enhance social cohesion. The hearings continue this week, with more testimonies expected from community leaders and victims.
The Bondi Hanukkah massacre, which occurred in December 2025, shocked the nation and sparked widespread condemnation. The attack targeted a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi, resulting in multiple casualties. Authorities have since increased security at Jewish institutions and events.
