URGENT UPDATE: Olympic champion Ian Thorpe has just launched a powerful campaign demanding a royal commission into anti-Semitism following the tragic events at Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead on December 14, 2025. Thorpe, joined by fellow Olympic swimmer Grant Hackett and over 60 sporting legends, is calling for immediate government action to combat rising hate and violence in Australia.
The horrific attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah gathering, has intensified public outcry for stronger protections against anti-Semitism. Recently, more than 100 industry bodies penned an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging decisive action against hate crimes. Thorpe emphasized that the movement aims to protect not only the Jewish community but all Australians affected by vilification.
“The hate experienced by the Jewish community and our whole community in Bondi and beyond was abhorrent, unjustified and not the Australia I know and love,” Thorpe stated.
Thorpe and Hackett stress that the concerns extend beyond anti-Semitism, highlighting that groups such as First Nations peoples and the LGBTIQ+ community also face rising violence. They insist that the government must act swiftly to safeguard all communities against hatred.
“Governments at both the federal and state level must do everything in their power to protect all communities who are subjected to hate and violence, now!” Hackett declared.
Hackett further stated, “When our values are tested, Australians expect strength and leadership — and the tragedy at Bondi was a defining moment for who we are as a nation.” The call for a royal commission is viewed as a critical step in addressing the national crisis fueled by extremist ideologies.
The campaign has garnered support from a remarkable roster of sporting icons, including tennis star Lleyton Hewitt, athlete Nova Peris, and football legends Isaac Heeney and Brad Fittler. They collectively expressed their outrage and sympathy for the victims, stating:
“As Australians who have had the honour of playing and coaching our sport at the highest level, we extend our deepest sympathy to the families who lost fifteen loved ones in this atrocity.”
The attack at Bondi Beach has been categorized as Australia’s deadliest terrorist incident, prompting a wide coalition of leaders from various sectors to demand a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances leading to the violence. The letter from sporting leaders highlights that this attack did not occur in isolation but follows a pattern of escalating extremism over recent years.
“What unfolded at Bondi was an act of terrorism driven by violent extremist ideology, and its consequences have shaken the foundations of our national safety and social cohesion,” the leaders stated.
They also underscored the importance of sport in uniting communities and fostering respect, fairness, and equality among all Australians. “Today, we cannot remain silent. This is not who we are. This is not the Australia we represented,” they asserted.
As the pressure mounts for a national response, the call for a royal commission is being framed as essential not just for the Jewish community but for the future integrity of Australia. The sporting leaders have labeled the current situation a “national crisis” that transcends politics, demanding urgent action from the government.
“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. This is bigger than politics. It is about the character of our country and the Australia we want future generations to inherit,” they concluded.
The full list of supporters includes notable figures from various sports, amplifying the urgency and importance of this campaign. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Australian government to see how they respond to these urgent calls for action against anti-Semitism and hate crimes nationwide.
