32 Former Security, Defence Chiefs Sign Letter Calling for Royal Commission Into Anti-Semitism

Another collective has come together in the growing push for a royal commission into anti-Semitism amid the fallout of the Dec. 14 Bondi terror attack.

This time, Australia’s national security and defence leaders penned a Jan. 7 letter calling for for a federal-level investigation into the root causes behind the country’s worst ever terror attack, which claimed the lives of 15 people, and injured 40 others.

The latest letter was signed by figures like former deputy secretary of home affairs, Marc Ablong, former deputy commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, James Allen, former Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr, former director general of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Rex Steveson, and former chief defence scientist Alex Zelinsky.

In total, 32 senior Australian defence and security leaders penned the letter, which warned about the national security risks posed by ongoing anti-Semitism, including the fracturing of social cohesion, the fuelling of violence, and the weakening of national resilience.

“At a time of growing risk of international conflict, anti-Semitism has already exposed Australia to foreign interference from hostile states and extremist groups,” the statement reads.

“After the Bondi atrocity, we call on the Albanese government to immediately establish a federal royal commission into anti-Semitism and Islamist extremism.

“The royal commission must have the authority to inquire into all aspects of the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.”

It also calls for the capacity to probe government decisions after Oct. 7, explore social, educational and institutional frameworks, and recommend necessary budget and policy reform.

It would also explore Australia’s elevated national terror threat level on Aug. 5, 2024.

“The Australian Jewish community produced one of our greatest military and national leaders, Sir John Monash,” the joint statement said.

“Sadly, Monash experienced anti-Semitism during much of his life. In his spirit, we say this is a time for courage, clear-sighted leadership and action.”

Alleged Bondi shooter Naveed Akram, 24, is currently in custody at Sydney’s high-security Goulburn Correctional Centre where he faces 59 charges including 15 of murder.

His co-accused father, Sajid Akram, was fatally shot on site by police.

Albanese Maintains Stance Against Royal Commission

The latest push comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stands firm on his government’s decision not to order a federal-level royal commission, instead, opting for an internal review of Australia’s security and intelligence agencies, another nationwide gun buyback, expanded visa cancellation powers, and pledges to implement recommendations to deal with anti-Semitism from envoy Jillian Segal.

Albanese has stated that a federal royal commission would take too long.

Meanwhile, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has ordered a state-level royal commission into anti-Semitism, but a letter from Labor Party figures says this could be limited in scope.

Other collectives calling for a federal royal commission include Australian sporting figures, teal and crossbench MPs, the Coalition, business and industry leaders, Jewish community organisations, families of victims, the Australian Monarchist League, and senior legal figures and judges.