Rabbinical Association welcomes Royal Commission but urges immediate action

The Rabbinical Association of Australasia has welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to establish a Royal Commission into antisemitism and the Bondi Beach terror attack while warning that urgent action is needed now to protect Jewish communities.

The Association said the announcement was an important acknowledgement of the gravity of the current situation but stressed that a Royal Commission alone would not address the immediate threats being faced. The Rabbinical Association of Australasia (RAA), represents Orthodox rabbis serving Jewish communities across Australia and New Zealand.

“A Royal Commission is, by its nature, a long-term process,” said Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, President of the Association. “The threats, intimidation, and incitement being experienced by Jewish communities are immediate. Action cannot, and should not, wait.” 

The RAA outlined a series of steps it believes must be taken without delay, starting with increased security for synagogues, Jewish schools, and communal institutions.

“The ability of any Australian to practise their faith and gather safely is a fundamental right,” Rabbi Schapiro said. “Whatever resources are required to ensure this must be prioritised.” 

The statement also called for legislative action to outlaw violent and intimidating slogans used at protests, including chants such as “death to the IDF”, “globalise the intifada” and “from the river to the sea”.

“These slogans are not political debate,” Rabbi Schapiro said. “They promote hatred and incitement, and marches or demonstrations that do so should not be permitted.” 

On immigration policy, the Association urged the government to ensure that those entering Australia are expected to uphold democratic values and reject extremism, warning against importing hatred linked to overseas conflicts.

The RAA also called for the consistent and meaningful application of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including in public discourse and organised demonstrations.

Public discussion about Israel, it said, must meet the same standards applied to all nations, without distortion, selective outrage, or double standards that fuel hostility towards Jewish communities.

While urging the Royal Commission to examine failures, radicalisation, and the spread of hate, the Association said it should also recognise the response of Australians following the Bondi tragedy.

“In the aftermath of Bondi, Australians responded with extraordinary compassion, courage, and unity,” Rabbi Schapiro said. He encouraged the public to participate in the One Mitzvah for Bondi initiative, which invites people to honour the victims through simple acts of kindness. 

The Association said it looked forward to engaging constructively with government and civil society, adding that the moment required leadership and moral clarity alongside formal enquiry.

The Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) representing Reform and Progressive Jewish congregations in Australia, New Zealand and Asia was among the major Jewish communal bodies, including the ECAJ, ZFA, AIJAC and AUJS, that previously called on the federal government to establish a Royal Commission into antisemitism.  UPJ welcomed the announcement of the royal commission.