Australian Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese has committed to allocate “every single resource required” to tackle antisemitism in the country following the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach, where a father and son killed at least 16 individuals during a religious celebration by the Jewish community.
With law enforcement confirming that the weapons used in the shooting were licensed since 2015, the premier said that the federal government would contemplate stricter gun laws, including capping the number of firearms an individual can own, and conducting more frequent reviews of gun licenses.
Earlier, the 50-year-old father died on the spot while his 24-year-old son is in critical condition.
Media reports have identified the assailants as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, with law enforcement noting that one of the suspects had been previously known to them but was not viewed as an immediate threat.
Two Islamic State flags were also reportedly discovered from the attackers’ vehicle after the attack, which was characterized by PM Albanese as “pure evil” and a blatant act of antisemitism.
He vowed to foster national unity in response, saying, “The Jewish community is in pain today. All Australians embrace them and say, we stand with you. We will do whatever is necessary to eliminate antisemitism.”
This incident has amplified calls for action from political leaders and special envoys. Jillian Segal, the government’s special envoy for combating antisemitism, called for the expedited implementation of her July recommendations, stressing that merely denouncing hate is insufficient.
Her suggestions entail tighter regulations on antisemitic actions and protests, improved visa screening, and oversight of institutions that fail to address antisemitism.
Opposition members, including Liberal leader Sussan Ley and former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, criticised the government for inadequate measures. Ley stated that antisemitism “has been left to fester” and demanded immediate legislative reforms and increased security for Jewish community sites.
NSW Premier Chris Minns also denounced antisemitism and emphasised the need for both societal and legislative measures. He also confirmed that the state government was reviewing gun regulations after finding that one of the shooters held multiple firearms under existing licenses.
The Bondi shooting has elicited international outcry, including criticism from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused the Australian government of not doing enough to combat antisemitism.