A federal inquiry has begun into a rise in antisemitism across Australia before two gunmen allegedly killed 15 people at a Sydney Jewish festival.
‘This is going too far’: Husband of Rep. Tony Gonzales’ former aide shares texts between his wife, congressmanMexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says flights, university classes temporarily suspended after cartel response to ‘El Mencho’ deathPedestrian fatally struck by dump truck in New Braunfels, city saysSeveral killings in 2025 drew widespread public attentionCommissioner Virginia Bell arrives at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Sydney, Tuesday, Feb.
24, 2026. Michele Goldman, CEO of the Jewish Board Of Deputies, speaks to the media outside the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in, Sydney, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Jillian Segal, Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia, is followed by media as she leaves the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Sydney, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Richard Lancaster, left, SC walks with Commissioner for the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Virginia Bell in, Sydney, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, left, shakes hands with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Commissioner Virginia Bell arrives at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Sydney, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. began on Tuesday into a rise in antisemitism across Australia before two gunmen believed to be inspired by the Islamic State groupannounced last month that Australia’s most powerful form of public inquiry, known as a royal commission, would investigate the Dec. 14 massacre at Bondi Beach., faces charges including committing a terrorist act, 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of attempted murder. He has entered no pleas. Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell, who heads the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, said she did not want evidence that she heard to prejudice Akram’s criminal trial. “One might expect a royal commission set up to inquire into an attack would lead evidence of it and of the heroism of those who sort to confront the shooters and of those who ran toward the gunfire to offer medical assistance to the wounded,” Bell said in an opening address. “The trial of that individual will be the occasion to lead evidence of the attack. This commission must do its work without risking any prejudice to that criminal proceeding,” she added. Royal commissions, which can imprison witnesses who refuse to cooperate, often request time extensions as more evidence is discovered. Bell is the sole commissioner. As well as lawyers, the commission’s staff include analysts, researchers and other office workers, according to Richard Lancaster, who leads a team of lawyers in his role as the Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission. Lancaster's job is to manage the investigation’s direction, present Bell with evidence and question witnesses. Completing her report by the deadline of the massacre's first anniversary is a “matter of critical importance," Bell said. “This imposes a tight time frame and it’s going to impose limitations on how the commission approaches its terms of reference,” the retired high court judge said.“I expect that social cohesion will be advanced by measures that address discrimination against religious faiths, ethnicities and cultures generally,” Bell said. “Nonetheless, against the background of the massacre of innocent people who appear to have been targeted simply because they were Jewish, I trust everyone will appreciate why the focus of this commission will be on tackling antisemitism.” Bell must make an interim report by the end of April. That report will examine interaction and information-sharing between federal and state agencies, as well as organizers of the Hanukkah celebration that was attacked. She will investigate security arrangements and report on whether intelligence and law enforcement agencies performed to maximum effectiveness. The commission must identify gaps in legal and regulatory frameworks that might impede the ability of law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to prevent and respond to such an attack. Bell will make recommendations to help law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies tackle antisemitism through areas such as staff training. The commission will examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society including drivers such as extremism and radicalization. Bell and her staff also will review security at Jewish places of worship, education and cultural facilities, as well as public events. The commission staff already has issued government agencies with dozens of notices to provide documents and more would be issued, Lancaster said, adding that dates for public hearings had not yet been set. Albanese initially resisted calls from victims’ families, Jewish leaders and opposition lawmakers to establish a royal commission, arguing it would take too long to provide answers. Instead, he appointed retired bureaucrat Dennis Richardson to examine the roles of intelligence, security and law enforcement agencies, as well as potential failings in procedures and laws that led to the shooting. That inquiry was to report in April. Richardson’s inquiry has been folded into the royal commission and he has been appointed Bell’s special adviser. Jews account for fewer than 120,000 people in Australia’s population of 28 million and 85% of the Jewish population live in Sydney and Melbourne.Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.3.1-magnitude earthquake recorded in Karnes County, USGS saysHere's how much you can expect to pay for a World Cup ticketCommunity members pack meeting as Judson ISD weighs closing 3 elementary schoolsMother released on bond after arrest for telling child to walk to school 19 miles away30 students disciplined at East Central High School after anti-ICE walkoutProposed high-voltage power line sparks pushback across Texas Hill CountryHow messaging, emergency preparedness have changed 5 years after 2021 winter stormAfter son’s hit-and-run death, San Antonio mother struggles with homelessness and burial costsSakai, Nirenberg tout experience in faceoff for Bexar County Judge‘It looked like he got hit by a car’: Helotes dog returns home with mysterious injuriesVIA employee union ‘not on board’ with free bus fare push
Naveed Akram Dennis Richardson Anthony Albanese Virginia Bell Religion Richard Lancaster
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Florida Bill Aims to Rename Palm Beach Airport After Donald TrumpFlorida lawmakers approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump, a move that would make it the ninth commercial U.S. airport named after a president. The proposal has faced criticism and concerns over costs, but if finalized, the name change would take effect on July 1.
Read more »
Palm Beach Airport to be Renamed After Donald TrumpFlorida lawmakers approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump, potentially making it the ninth U.S. commercial airport named after a president. The move has sparked debate, with concerns raised about rebranding costs and lack of community input.
Read more »
Secret Hidden Epstein Photos Heap More Pressure on BondiHe had at least six storage lockers scattered around the country that he kept paying for right up until his 2019 death.
Read more »
Australia begins inquiry into antisemitism after Bondi shootingReuters
Read more »
Australia public inquiry begins after Jewish festival killingsA federal inquiry has begun into a rise in antisemitism across Australia before two gunmen allegedly killed 15 people at a Sydney Jewish festival. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced last month that Australia’s most powerful form of public inquiry known as a royal commission would investigate the December massacre at Bondi Beach.
Read more »
Australia begins sweeping public inquiry probing antisemitism after Bondi Beach killingsA federal inquiry has begun into a rise in antisemitism across Australia before two gunmen allegedly killed 15 people at a Sydney Jewish festival.
Read more »