She lost her father at Bondi. Now she’s fighting the hate that killed him

The daughter of a man killed in the Bondi terror attack has joined Combat Antisemitism Movement Australia, stepping into a public campaign against the hatred she says led to her father’s death.

Sheina Gutnick is the daughter of Reuven Morrison, who was among 15 people murdered during the Chanukah by the Sea event at Bondi’s Archer Park in December 2025. Morrison was killed while attempting to stop the attacker, hurling bricks at the Islamic State-inspired gunman to shield others.

Announcing her appointment as CAM Australia’s Public Affairs Advocate, the organisation said Gutnick had turned personal tragedy into action at a time of rising antisemitism across the country.

“My father ran towards the bullets so others could run away,” Gutnick said. “The least I can do is run towards combating the hate and strengthen Jewish pride.”

The Bondi attack, carried out by gunman Naveed Akram, remains the deadliest antisemitic attack in Australian history and prompted a sweeping national response, including the establishment of a federal Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

Jewish organisations including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry have reported a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents since October 7, with figures rising to several times previous levels. Incidents have included harassment, vandalism and arson attacks targeting synagogues and Jewish schools.

Gutnick has emerged as a prominent voice in that debate. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, she told international media that Jewish Australians no longer felt safe, a statement that drew widespread attention. Since then, she has addressed parliamentarians and appeared across local and global media.

Natan Sharansky, the chair of CAM’s Global Advisory Board, emphasised the need for local-level leadership in the fight against antisemitism.

He said local councils and mayors had a critical role to play in translating awareness into practical action and that Gutnick’s voice would help engage leaders across Australia.

CAM’s director of Australian affairs, Yigal Nisell, said Gutnick had become “a powerful young voice” following her father’s murder.

He said her decision to join CAM reflected a refusal to remain silent in the face of hate and would strengthen efforts to confront antisemitism nationally.

Gutnick brings a background in psychology and Jewish education to the role, having worked with young people and families across community organisations. Her work has included mentoring, identity-focused education and resilience programs.

In her new position, she will engage with government, contribute to policy discussions, and collaborate with local communities to enhance awareness and security.

CAM has expanded its activities in Australia following the Bondi attack, including grassroots advocacy and partnerships with local government. The organisation also convened the 2025 Australian Mayors’ Summit Against Antisemitism on the Gold Coast, bringing together civic and community leaders to coordinate a national response.

Gutnick said her focus is clear. The hatred that killed her father, she said, must be confronted directly.