Australia’s Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has entered its first week under intense scrutiny, as questions grow over its decision not to directly examine the Bondi attack that shocked the nation and deeply impacted the Jewish community. The exclusion has sparked concern among community leaders, commentators, and observers who view the incident as central to understanding the broader climate of antisemitism the inquiry was created to address.

Sky News host Paul Murray publicly questioned the scope of the Commission, pointing to the disconnect between the event that catalyzed national attention and the inquiry’s inability to investigate it in detail. The reason cited is the ongoing criminal proceedings against the alleged perpetrator, a standard legal constraint that limits what parallel inquiries can examine while a case is before the courts. However, critics argue that this limitation was not clearly communicated when expectations for the Commission were first formed, leading to confusion and frustration among those seeking answers.

Commissioner Virginia Bell acknowledged the urgency of the task while also emphasizing the practical constraints imposed by a compressed timeline. With a final report due by the first anniversary of the Bondi attack, the inquiry faces significant pressure to gather evidence, hear testimony, and produce actionable recommendations within a narrow window. This accelerated schedule, combined with restrictions related to intelligence material and active prosecutions, has raised concerns that key aspects of the underlying issues may not receive the depth of examination many believe is necessary.

Members of the Jewish community have expressed a sense of paradox: the recognition that antisemitism requires immediate and serious attention, coupled with apprehension that institutional processes may move too slowly or be too limited to address the full scope of the threat. Informal meetings and community discussions in Bondi have underscored the emotional and psychological impact of the attack, as well as the desire for a comprehensive national response that connects policy, security, and social cohesion.

The Royal Commission now faces the dual challenge of managing legal boundaries while maintaining public confidence in its purpose. Its effectiveness will likely be judged not only by the recommendations it produces, but by whether it can bridge the gap between legal constraints and the community’s expectation for accountability, clarity, and meaningful action against antisemitism in Australia.