Royal Commission Hears Emotional Account from Victim’s Family
The daughter of a victim from the Bondi Beach attack has spoken publicly about the emotional impact of the shooting and the rise of antisemitism in Australia. Sheina Gutnick shared her testimony at a royal commission set up after a deadly attack at a Hanukkah event in December that left fifteen people dead.
Her father, Reuven Morrison, lost his life while trying to stop the gunmen by throwing objects at them. She described him as deeply proud of being Australian after he fled the Soviet Union as a teenager and later built his life in Australia.
Fear and Online Abuse After the Attack
Gutnick told the hearing in Sydney that she has since received disturbing messages suggesting she should also have been killed. She said the experience has made her feel unsafe in her own country.
She also said she has noticed a major shift in public attitudes since October 2023. According to her testimony, antisemitic language has become more visible and more openly expressed in public discussions. She expressed concern that some people try to justify the violence by framing it as political criticism rather than hate.
Attack Details and Legal Proceedings
Authorities confirmed that the attackers targeted the Hanukkah gathering in Bondi. One of the suspects, Sajid Akram, died at the scene after police responded. His son, Naveed Akram, was critically injured and later taken into custody. He now faces multiple charges, including murder and committing a terrorist attack.
Wider Community Impact
Another witness at the commission, identified only as AAL, described Australia as a welcoming home after migrating from South Africa in the 1980s. He said recent events have changed his view and raised concerns about the future safety of his family.
He expressed uncertainty about whether Australia remains the right place for his grandchildren due to the rise in antisemitic incidents.
Growing Concerns Raised by the Commission
The royal commission has received thousands of submissions from the public. Early hearings are focused on personal experiences of antisemitism and its impact on communities.
Former High Court judge Virginia Bell, who leads the commission, highlighted a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents. She noted that similar trends are being seen in other Western countries and linked the rise to tensions related to events in the Middle East.
She also recommended stronger gun control measures and expanded security for Jewish events across Australia.
