Royal Commission hearings conclude

Commissioner Virginia Bell opened Wednesday’s final day of Royal Commission hearings by announcing the commission would seek a short extension to its reporting deadline.

Bell said she would seek to hand down her report on December 18, so it is not delivered on the anniversary of the Bondi Chanukah attack.

Wednesday’s final hearing heard evidence from Jewish community leaders, social cohesion advocates and lived experience witnesses. Chabad of Bondi spiritual leader Rabbi Yehoram Ulman was the final witness called.

Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal told The AJN on Wednesday morning, “My hope is that, as the Royal Commission concludes today, its work leads to lasting change and a safer future for Jewish Australians.”

Australia’s mainstream Jewish communal organisations thanked the thousands of people who gave evidence and made submissions to the Royal Commission.