Antisemitism ‘allowed to come into the open’ says Bondi victim’s daughter

Antisemitism allowed to come into the open – The daughter of a Bondi Beach shooting victim has shared how the attack has reshaped her perception of safety in Australia, recounting messages she received suggesting she too should have been targeted. Sheina Gutnick, who is appearing as the first witness at the royal commission investigating antisemitism, described a profound shift in public attitudes toward Jewish Australians following the December incident. The tragedy, which claimed 15 lives, occurred during a Hanukkah celebration and has since sparked widespread debate about the role of anti-Israel sentiment in fueling hostility.

Gutnick, 24, recounted the harrowing experience of her father Reuven Morrison, who was fatally shot while attempting to throw objects at the gunmen to prevent further casualties. Her testimony, delivered at a public hearing in Sydney, highlighted how antisemitism has become more visible and socially acceptable in recent months. “I saw people trying to excuse and justify the events as only anti-Zionist,” she said, emphasizing the growing normalization of antisemitic rhetoric in public discourse. This sentiment, she argued, has created an environment where prejudice is increasingly tolerated.

“I felt as though antisemitism was allowed to come into the open,” Gutnick stated. “All of a sudden it was socially, morally acceptable for antisemitic comments to be made in public discourse.”

The royal commission, launched in the wake of the attack, is examining the broader patterns of antisemitism across Australia. As of Monday morning, nearly 7,500 submissions had been received, reflecting the public’s concern about the issue. The first round of hearings, set to run until May 15, will focus on personal accounts of antisemitic experiences, including the lived realities of survivors and witnesses. This week’s proceedings, however, already showcased the deep emotional toll the incident has had on families.

Gutnick’s father, who fled the USSR at 14 and later met her mother on Bondi Beach, was a symbol of resilience and belonging. For Sheina, the beach now carries a bittersweet weight. “Bondi holds complicated feelings for me,” she said. “Despite the beautiful memories of childhood, it’s hard to see it the same way now.” Her father’s legacy of pride in being Australian contrasts sharply with the current climate of fear and suspicion.

Another participant in the hearing, referred to as AAL, described his own journey to Australia. Having relocated from South Africa in the 1980s, he initially viewed the country as a haven. “I treated Australia as home from the day I stepped off the plane,” AAL said, his voice cracking as he spoke. Yet, he expressed growing unease about the changing landscape. “I have to admit things have changed,” he added. “I now question whether this is the country my grandchildren will call home.”

The commission’s interim report, published last week by chair Virginia Bell, outlined 14 key recommendations aimed at addressing the root causes of antisemitism. Among the proposals was the prioritization of gun reform measures and the expansion of policing efforts for Jewish religious events beyond the high holy days. Bell noted a “sharp spike” in antisemitic incidents, linking the trend to developments in the Middle East. “It’s important that people understand how quickly those events can prompt ugly displays of hostility towards Jewish Australians simply because they’re Jews,” she explained.

The shooting at the Hanukkah gathering in December, which left 15 dead, was the catalyst for this nationwide reckoning. Gunman Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police at the scene, while his son Naveed Akram, 24, was critically injured and later transferred to prison. Naveed faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of orchestrating a terrorist attack. The case has become a focal point for discussions about the intersection of political ideology and targeted violence.

Throughout the hearing, Gutnick’s testimony underscored the personal impact of antisemitism. She described how the attack not only shattered her family’s sense of security but also revealed a broader pattern of prejudice. “The way people began to view my father and his community as threats was deeply unsettling,” she said. This perspective has led to a reevaluation of identity and belonging, particularly for Jewish Australians who feel their safety is now under constant scrutiny.

Bell, the former High Court judge leading the commission, acknowledged the interconnectedness of global events and local sentiment. She noted that the rise in antisemitism has been mirrored in other Western nations, suggesting a shared cultural shift. “The Middle East tensions have created a ripple effect,” she said, “with antisemitism becoming more vocal and pervasive in Australia.” The commission aims to deliver a final report on the anniversary of the shooting, which will serve as a culmination of the testimonies and data gathered so far.

As the hearings continue, the focus remains on understanding the lived experiences of those affected. Gutnick’s account, paired with AAL’s reflections, illustrates the diverse ways antisemitism has taken root in Australian society. While some see the issue as a result of broader geopolitical factors, others highlight the local context and personal stories that define its impact. The royal commission’s work is not just about documenting incidents but also about fostering dialogue and identifying solutions to ensure Jewish Australians feel safe in their own country.

The growing number of submissions to the commission signals a national conversation about antisemitism. With nearly 7,500 voices contributing, the royal commission is gaining momentum as it seeks to uncover the mechanisms driving prejudice and discrimination. Gutnick’s testimony, which blends personal grief with public insight, has already drawn attention to the emotional and psychological effects of antisemitism. As the hearings progress, the commission will likely explore the relationship between media narratives, political rhetoric, and the rising tide of antisemitic sentiment in Australia.