More than 60 of Australia’s most prominent sports figures have written an open letter calling on the government to immediately establish a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism and the events leading up to the Bondi Massacre on Hanukkah.
The letter, published on Sunday, was signed by stars such as swimmer Ian Thorpe, tennis player Lleyton Hewitt, and canoeist Jess Fox.
The players began the letter by extending their deepest sympathy to the families of the 15 victims of the attack, including 10-year-old Matilda, “whose smile we will never forget.” The letter also noted that the attack was the deadliest terrorist attack in Australia’s history.
The sports stars noted that a wide cross-section of Australian leaders, including those from law, national security, business, and public service, have joined with the victims’ families to publicly call for a Commonwealth royal commission into what happened.
Nevertheless, despite multiple calls from the victims’ families, Australian politicians, and Australian rabbis for a royal commission to be opened, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a press conference in Canberra last week that it is “in the national interest to do the [internal] review on national security” instead.
Athletes urge PM Albanese to confront antisemitism in Australia
The sports stars stand in opposition to an internal review. “A royal commission is the most credible and unifying pathway to understanding what went wrong, ensuring accountability, restoring social harmony, and taking Australia forward with a meaningful, practical plan of action,” the letter reads.
“This attack did not occur in isolation,” it continues. “It followed more than two years of escalating extremism, intimidation, and unchecked radicalization within Australia.”
“As sports leaders, past and present, we have witnessed firsthand the power of sport to unite Australians of every background, belief, and community. Today, we cannot remain silent. This is not who we are. This is not the Australia we represented.
The players and leaders called on Albanese and the Australian government to show “decisive national leadership” by “confronting extremism and terrorism in all its forms, without fear or hesitation.”
“We must also put an end to the unprecedented harassment, intimidation, and violence that has been directed at the Australian Jewish community since October 7, 2023,” they added.
The letter also noted that with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approaching, the world will be watching Australia, and the actions taken by the government now are essential for demonstrating the values of the country going forward.
“This is a national crisis, and it demands a national response. This is bigger than politics. It is about the character of our country and the Australia we want future generations to inherit.”