The final hearing of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion marked a significant moment for the Jewish community in Australia, as emotions ran high among attendees. Simone Abel, head of legal for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), expressed gratitude towards allies who supported the inquiry, stating, “We are absolutely emotional. This has been a very significant moment in time for us.” The commission, which heard from over 340 witnesses over 62 days, was initiated following a tragic attack that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in December 2025. Much of the testimony regarding the attack was provided in closed sessions, but Abel emphasized that the experiences of survivors and victims remained central to the inquiry. ECAJ co-CEO Peter Wertheim highlighted the severity of antisemitism revealed during the hearings, noting, “The sheer volume, extent and seriousness of the antisemitism shared by lived experience witnesses had been even worse than expected.” He called for the community’s warnings about rising antisemitism to be heeded to restore harmony in Australian society. Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio of Emanuel Synagogue praised the courage of those who testified, expressing hope that the commission’s recommendations would enhance the safety of the Jewish community and address the root causes of antisemitism. Holocaust survivor Nina Bassat, the last witness, reflected on the alarming rise of antisemitism, drawing parallels to the 1930s in Germany, yet she remained hopeful about the future. The commission will continue to analyze over 20,000 submissions and is expected to release its final report on December 18, which may include public disclosures regarding the Bondi attack after ongoing criminal proceedings conclude. Prepared and Edited by AboMatrix