Members of the Jewish community in Australia have accused governments of failing to address rising antisemitism following a terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, that left 15 people dead. The attack, allegedly carried out by father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram during a Hanukkah celebration, has intensified concerns about the safety and security of Jewish communities across the country.
Rise in Antisemitic Incidents
Speaking at a floral memorial for the victims at Bondi pavilion on Monday, David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, stated that the attack demonstrated antisemitism had “well and truly found a place” in Australia. This follows a reported increase in antisemitic incidents over the past two years.
Numerous antisemitic incidents have been reported across Australia since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Some were identified by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) as criminal activity with no ideological intent, while Asio has alleged others were directed by the Iranian government.
However, many incidents go unreported, including verbal abuse, physical violence, offensive graffiti, and acts of vandalism. Groups tracking antisemitism report a sharp rise in these incidents, despite differing definitions of what constitutes antisemitism.
Controversy Over Incident Numbers
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley have faced criticism for overstating the number of antisemitic incidents. Both initially cited figures suggesting over 700 incidents since October 7, 2023, as justification for hate speech and protest laws.
Catley later conceded in a Senate estimates committee that she “may have had the figure wrong.” In October, it emerged that NSW police had wrongly categorized a “significant” number of incidents as antisemitic. Catley also acknowledged that the actual number of incidents was likely higher than reported.
As of August, police had laid 249 charges in relation to antisemitic incidents against 231 individuals, with 44 charges related to physical violence.
High-Profile Incidents
9 October 2023: Sydney Opera House Chants
Following the Hamas attack, pro-Palestinian protesters marched to the Sydney Opera House, which was lit in support of Israel. Reports included chants of “Where’s the Jews?” and “Fuck the Jews.” NSW police later stated that analysis of audio and visual files indicated the phrase used was “Where’s the Jews?”
May-June 2024: MPs’ Offices Vandalized
The office of then-federal attorney general Mark Dreyfus, along with several other Melbourne-based MPs, were vandalized in May. In June, the windows of MP Josh Burns’ office were smashed and the building set alight, with antisemitic graffiti sprayed on the exterior. Charges in both cases were later dropped.
October 2024: Lewis’ Continental Kitchen Attack
The Lewis’ Continental Kitchen kosher deli in Bondi was allegedly broken into and set alight in October, causing an estimated $1 million in damage. Wayne Ogden, 41, has been charged with arson. Sayed Moosawi, 32, has also been charged in relation to the attack, as well as an earlier arson at the Curly Lewis brewery. In August 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Asio and the AFP had “credible evidence” that Iran directed the attack, as well as an attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne.
6 December 2024: Adass Israel Synagogue Attack
The Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne, built by Holocaust survivors, was set alight in December. Two masked arsonists allegedly spread accelerant through the building, causing significant damage and injuring a worshipper. Giovanni Laulu, 21, and Younes Ali Younes, 20, have been charged in relation to the arson, but no terrorism charges have been laid.
November 2024-January 2025: Strike Force Pearl Incidents
A series of antisemitic incidents occurred in Sydney during the summer of 2024-25, investigated under Strike Force Pearl. These included vandalism and arson at various locations, with three men pleading guilty in relation to an incident in Woollahra. Several individuals have been charged in connection with other incidents, with some cases still before the courts.
January 2025: Dural Caravan Plot
In January, a caravan containing explosives and a list of Jewish sites was found in Dural, Sydney. The AFP later announced that the incident was likely a “fake terrorism plot” and a “criminal con job” orchestrated by organized criminals. NSW police believe 14 other incidents investigated by Strike Force Pearl were linked to the same individuals.
February 2025: Bankstown Nurses
Two nurses at Bankstown hospital were criticized after a video surfaced of them saying they would not treat Israeli patients. One nurse had a charge of threatening to kill dropped, while both face charges of harassment and threatening violence.
8 November 2025: Neo-Nazi Rally
Approximately 60 members of the neo-Nazi group White Australia paraded in front of NSW parliament, carrying an antisemitic banner and chanting slogans. Police approved the protest after receiving legal advice that the slogan did not meet the threshold for hate speech laws. The NSW government is now considering further tightening hate speech laws.
14 December 2025: Bondi Beach Attack
Fifteen people died after Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Ossip stated that the attack has positioned Australia as “one of the global epicentres of antisemitism” and called for immediate action.
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