Australia has begun royal commission hearings into a recent attack at Bondi Beach and concerns about rising antisemitism across the country.

Sheina Gutnick, daughter of a victim from the Bondi incident, became the first person to provide evidence to the commission. During her testimony, Gutnick stated that antisemitism had been "allowed to come into the open," suggesting increased visibility of anti-Jewish sentiment.

The royal commission represents a formal government investigation into both the specific Bondi Beach attack and broader patterns of antisemitic incidents in Australia. Royal commissions are among the most serious forms of public inquiry in the Australian system, typically reserved for matters of significant public concern.

The hearings are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack as well as investigate reports of increased antisemitic behavior across Australian communities. The commission will gather evidence from victims, witnesses, and experts to understand the scope and nature of these incidents.

The timing of the investigation reflects growing concerns about religious and ethnic tensions in Australia, with Jewish community leaders and government officials calling for stronger measures to address hate-motivated incidents.