Bondi shooting families demand national probe into Australia's 'rise in antisemitism'

• Albanese backs NSW-led commission, resists federal probe.
• Minister warns national inquiry could amplify worst voices.
• Families call federal response not nearly enough.

SYDNEY: Families of victims killed in the Bondi Beach mass shooting called Monday for an independent national inquiry into antisemitism in Australia and alleged failures in policing, intelligence and policy, they say, enabled the attack.

Father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram are accused of targeting a Hanukkah event on Sydney's Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people and wounding dozens in what authorities have described as an antisemitic terrorist attack.

Seventeen families, in an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urged him to "immediately establish a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the rapid rise of antisemitism in Australia" and examine "law enforcement, intelligence, and policy failures that led to the Bondi Beach massacre".

"We demand answers and solutions," the families wrote.

"We need to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how antisemitic hatred and extremism were allowed to dangerously grow unchecked, and what changes must be made to protect all Australians going forward."

Albanese has resisted calls for a federal inquiry, citing a need for urgent action rather than waiting "years for answers".

"We need to get on with any changes that are required," he told reporters Monday.

"I have nothing except sympathy for those families. My job, as prime minister, is to look at how we build unity, how we build social cohesion, how we do what the nation needs at what is a very difficult time."

Albanese said last week that a New South Wales-led royal commission — where the shooting occurred — would suffice and promised full support.

Canberra has flagged a suite of reforms to gun ownership and hate speech laws, as well as an inquiry into police and intelligence services.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke warned Monday that a national royal commission could give "some of the worst statements and worst voices" a platform to relive "the worst examples of antisemitism over the last two years", which he said was not in the interest of unity or national security.

But the families of those killed at Bondi Beach said the federal government's response is "not nearly enough".

"We have lost parents, spouses, children, and grandparents. Our loved ones were celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach, a festival of light and joy, in an iconic public space that should have been safe," the letter said.

"You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth."

The families said the rise of antisemitism was a "national crisis", adding the "threat was not going away".

"We need strong action now. We need leadership now. You cannot bring back our loved ones. But with a well-led Commonwealth Royal Commission and strong action, you may be able to save many more."

One of the gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot and killed by police during the attack. An Indian national, he entered Australia on a visa in 1998.

His 24-year-old son, Naveed, an Australian-born citizen, remains in custody facing multiple charges, including terrorism and 15 murders, as well as committing a "terrorist act" and planting a bomb with intent to harm.

Meanwhile, Bondi Beach shooting hero Ahmed al Ahmed recalled the moment he ran towards one of the attackers and wrestled the gun from him, saying in an interview published Monday with a US outlet he wanted to protect "innocent people".

Despite the tragedy, tales of heroism emerged of those who tried to stop the two gunmen during their deadly rampage.

Among them was Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit seller, who went viral for ducking between parked cars as the shooting unfolded and then wresting a gun from one of the assailants.

"My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being´s life and not killing innocent people," he told CBS News in an interview that airs Monday.

"I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost."

Ahmed was shot several times in the shoulder after tussling with one of the gunmen and underwent several rounds of surgery.

He recalled the moment he "jumped" on the gunman´s back, holding him with his right hand and said: "Drop your gun, stop doing what you´re doing".

"I don't want to see people killed in front of me, I don't want to see blood, I don't want to hear his gun, I don't want to see people screaming and begging, asking for help," Ahmed told the television network.

Ahmed was at the beach getting a cup of coffee when the shooting occurred.

The father of two emigrated to Australia from Syria in 2007, his uncle Mohammed, a farmer, had told AFP in Ahmed´s hometown of Al-Nayrab days after the shooting.

"His act is a source of pride for us and for Syria," Mohammed said.

The Australian government has fast-tracked and granted a number of visas for Ahmed´s family, local media reported.

"Ahmed has shown the courage and values we want in Australia," Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement.