The families of those killed and injured in the Bondi Beach terror attack are demanding the prime minister urgently establish a national royal commission, saying they need “strong action” and “leadership now” to save many more lives from being lost.

The powerfully worded plea is signed by seventeen families of the Bondi terror victims.

It calls on Anthony Albanese to “immediately establish a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the rapid rise of antisemitism in Australia” in the wake of Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, and to examine “the law enforcement, intelligence, and policy failures” that led to the Bondi Beach massacre.

“We demand answers and solutions,” their statement reads.

“We need to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how antisemitic hatred and Islamic extremism were allowed to dangerously grow unchecked, and what changes must be made to protect all Australians going forward.

“As proud Australians and proud Jews, we have endured more than two and a half years of relentless attacks. 

a composite image of the people that were killed in the bondi beach terrorist attack.

Fifteen were killed in the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, 2025, (ABC News)

“Our children feel unsafe at school and university. Our homes, workplaces, sporting fields, and public spaces no longer feel secure. It is an intolerable situation that no Australian should have to ensure.

“Announcements made so far by the federal government in response to the Bondi massacre are not nearly enough.

“Prime Minister how can you not support a Royal Commission into the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil? Royal Commissions have been established for banks and aged care.

“We have lost parents, spouses, children and grandparents.

“You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth,” the statement said.

Bondi Beach attack memorial in pictures

Emotional scenes and a heavy police presence were visible at Bondi as the Jewish community marked one week since the Hanukkah shooting.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has so far resisted calls for a national royal commission into the Bondi terror attack. 

He has remained steadfast in his refusal to take the lead by calling a sweeping national inquiry. 

Instead, he has argued that a NSW-based royal commission would be enough and promised that his government would co-operate and provide the Minns government with whatever support was needed. 

He has also set up a federal inquiry into the country’s intelligence and security agencies to probe their role in any failings leading up to the Bondi attacks.

A woman at a memorial service holding up an Israeli flag.

Families of the victims are warning that combating antisemitism requires a “powerful national response”. (ABC News: Jack Fisher)

Last Monday, he told reporters in Canberra that he did not favour a federal royal commission because he wanted to act with “urgency and unity, not division and delay”.

The night before he was met with boos and jeers as he arrived at the memorial and vigil at Bondi Beach on the National Day of Reflection. 

His treatment that Sunday night captured the mood of Australia’s Jewish community; the undeniable, underlying anger amid the sadness and despair.

Now the families of the victims have stepped up the pressure on the prime minister with their open letter, pleading for immediate action.

“Senior legal, security and political leaders from across the country have come together in an unprecedented display of public support for a Commonwealth Royal Commission,” they said in their statement. 

Violent antisemitism risk during Hanukkah flagged well before attack

A document by the Jewish Community Security Group NSW raised the alarm about the threat of Islamic extremism and Jihadist-inspired lone-actor attacks.

“The rise of antisemitism in Australia goes far beyond one state jurisdiction. It is a national crisis that demands a powerful national response.”

They pointed out that just even in the past few days antisemitic incidents had continued. 

There was the firebombing of a Jewish family’s car in Melbourne and the arrest of a man in Western Australia, accused of posting messages of support following the Bondi attack while allegedly stockpiling weapons and being in possession of Hamas and Hezbollah flags.

“This threat is real, and it is escalating,” they said. “The dangerous rise of antisemitism and radicalism in Australia is not going away.

“We need strong action now. We need leadership now. 

“You cannot bring back our loves ones. But with a well-led Commonwealth Royal Commission and strong action, you may be able to save many more.”