| “The purpose of any inquiry must be to uncover truth, not reinforce a narrative,” said Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC. |
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AFIC Responds to Calls for Bondi Inquiry: Any Commission Must Address the Full Scope of Harm
22/12/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) notes the growing calls for a public inquiry or royal commission in the aftermath of the tragic Bondi Beach attack.
At this stage, AFIC has not made a decision on whether it would support such a commission. Our position would ultimately depend on the terms of reference and whether they reflect a genuine commitment to transparency, justice, and balance.
“The purpose of any inquiry must be to uncover truth, not reinforce a narrative,” said Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC. “We are concerned that a narrow or politicised process would serve only to entrench fear and division.”
If an inquiry or royal commission is to be credible, then it must go beyond narrow questions of security response or ideology. It must also examine:
• The ongoing impact of the genocide in Gaza on Australian communities, particularly the emotional and psychological toll on those communities directly impacted
• The role played by Australian citizens who have actively supported or enabled the Israeli military campaign, including through participation in the IDF, fundraising, material assistance, and advocacy
• The domestic consequences of those actions, including how they have affected social cohesion and inflamed public sentiment
• The continued use of heavy-handed legislation and securitisation against peaceful protesters, particularly those supporting Palestine, which has only deepened mistrust and trauma
Any inquiry that fails to address these issues would send a clear message that its conclusions are already predetermined, and that only certain forms of grief, trauma, and political violence are worthy of national recognition.
AFIC is also alarmed by the NSW Premier’s recent announcements to introduce new laws banning flags, chants, and slogans, measures that bear no direct connection to the Bondi attack and instead threaten to further criminalise political expression and peaceful protest.
“If justice is the goal, it must be applied equally. If safety is the priority, it must include all of us,” Dr Jneid said. “Any commission that ignores the structural and emotional impact of Australia’s complicity in the genocide of Palestinians cannot claim to be serious about understanding the causes of division or violence.”
AFIC will continue to advocate for truth, accountability, and the right of all Australians to live in safety and dignity. We remain open to engaging with any inquiry that is independent, inclusive, and committed to exposing the full scope of harm, not just the parts that suit the political moment.
Dr Rateb Jneid
President -AFIC |
