Royal Commission Begins Public Hearings on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

May 4, 2026, 09:52

Introduction

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has started public hearings in Sydney. The goal is to investigate the increase in antisemitism in Australia and the reasons behind the mass shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14.

Main Body

The inquiry, led by former judge Virginia Bell, is analyzing how instability in the Middle East has caused a rise in hostility toward Jewish Australians. Commissioner Bell emphasized that this increase reflects trends seen in other Western countries. Data supports this, showing 2,062 recorded antisemitic incidents in the year after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Witnesses, including Sheina Gutnick, asserted that antisemitic speech has moved from the edges of society and is now becoming more acceptable in public. Testimonies have described various forms of harassment, including online threats, verbal abuse, and problems within schools. For example, one witness reported that a teacher used Nazi salutes in a classroom. Furthermore, the commission heard evidence about a 'summer of hate,' which involved arson and graffiti targeting Jewish businesses and synagogues. Alex Ryvchin, head of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, noted that the firebombing of his former home showed a dangerous shift toward attacking private houses, which he believes led to the Bondi Beach massacre. Regarding the Bondi Beach attack, the commission is examining the actions of Sajid and Naveed Akram. It is alleged that they used legal firearms to kill 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. While Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, Naveed Akram is in prison facing 15 counts of murder and a terrorism charge. Consequently, the commission's interim report has proposed 14 recommendations, such as improving security at Jewish events and introducing stricter gun control laws.

Conclusion

The Royal Commission is continuing its investigation into the Bondi Beach attack and how social media contributes to radicalization. The final report is expected on December 14.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Leap': From Simple Descriptions to Logical Connections

An A2 student says: "There were attacks. Then the commission started. Now they have recommendations."

A B2 student uses Logical Connectors to show how ideas relate. This is the secret to sounding professional and fluent.

🛠️ The Tool: Transition Words

Look at how the article links complex ideas. Instead of just using "and" or "but," it uses words that act like road signs for the reader:

"Furthermore" $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Use this when you want to add a stronger point to your argument.
- Example: "The internet spreads hate. Furthermore, it can radicalize young people."
"Consequently" $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Use this to show a direct result (Cause $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Effect).
- Example: "Security was weak. Consequently, the commission proposed new laws."
"Regarding..." $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Use this to shift the focus to a specific topic without starting a brand new paragraph.
- Example: "Regarding the Bondi Beach attack, the police are investigating the weapons."

💡 Pro-Tip for Growth

Stop using "Also" at the start of every sentence. Try replacing it with "Additionally" or "Moreover." This immediately shifts your writing from a basic level to an upper-intermediate academic style.

🔍 Vocabulary Upgrade: Precise Verbs

B2 learners move away from generic verbs like "say" or "think." Notice these precise choices from the text:

A2 Word (Basic)	B2 Word (Precise)	Context from Article
Said	Asserted	"Witnesses... asserted that speech has moved..."
Looked at	Analyzing	"...is analyzing how instability..."
Suggested	Proposed	"...interim report has proposed 14 recommendations"

Vocabulary Learning

investigate (v.)

to carry out a systematic study or inquiry to discover facts

Example:The police will investigate the incident.

hostility (n.)

unfriendly or antagonistic attitude

Example:There was growing hostility toward immigrants.

trends (n.)

general directions or patterns of change

Example:Recent trends show more online shopping.

recorded (adj.)

written down or formally noted

Example:The recorded data were presented at the meeting.

incidents (n.)

an event or occurrence, especially one that is unusual or undesirable

Example:There were ten incidents of theft last month.

harassment (n.)

unwanted or aggressive pressure or intimidation

Example:She reported harassment at work.

threats (n.)

a statement or action indicating an intention to cause harm

Example:The email contained threats of violence.

abuse (n.)

the improper or violent use of someone or something

Example:He faced abuse for his beliefs.

arson (n.)

the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property

Example:Arson was suspected in the building fire.

graffiti (n.)

writing or drawings on walls or other surfaces, often illegal

Example:Graffiti covered the abandoned warehouse.

firebombing (n.)

the act of bombing or setting fire to a building

Example:The city was devastated by firebombing during the war.

private (adj.)

belonging to or for personal use, not public

Example:He kept his private thoughts to himself.

legal (adj.)

conforming to law or authorized

Example:Only legal documents are accepted.

terrorism (n.)

the use of extreme violence to create fear for political aims

Example:Terrorism remains a global threat.

interim (adj.)

temporary, in the meantime

Example:An interim report was released before the final decision.

recommendations (n.)

suggestions or advice for action

Example:The committee issued several recommendations.

security (n.)

the state of being free from danger or threat

Example:Airport security checks all passengers.

control (n.)

the power to influence or direct

Example:Gun control laws aim to reduce violence.

radicalization (n.)

the process of adopting extreme views or actions

Example:Social media can accelerate radicalization.