A Newcastle Rabbi, who lost three friends in the tragic Bondi Beach attack, has welcomed a federal Royal Commission into antisemitism.

And, Yossi Rodal believes the Prime Minister’s recent backflip “sends a clear message that the government is taking the issue seriously”.

The Commonwealth U-turn follows weeks of debate over whether the matter should be handled at state level, with Anthony Albanese initially indicating support for an NSW inquiry. 

Sporting legends, prominent business figures, legal experts and victims’ representatives pushed for a federal approach, arguing that antisemitism affects security, education and online spaces nationwide and requires coordinated action. 

For Newcastle’s Jewish community, Rabbi Yossi said “the announcement was met with relief”.

“It was very welcome news,” he added.

“We hope that it will be taken seriously and that something good and concrete will come of it. 

“It tells us that the government cares about this.

“A Royal Commission means this is an issue we can address properly, rather than just saying ‘sorry’ and moving on. 

“While it’s an important step, we can’t just rely on it alone to address antisemitism. 

“It’s something every one of us has a role in.

“By learning about Judaism, reaching out to our Jewish neighbours and showing support in everyday life, we can all help the community feel safe and inclusive.

“Not just during high-profile events but each and every day. 

“Your Jewish neighbour definitely wants to hear that you support them as well.”

Rabbi Yossi also highlighted the ongoing impact the Bondi attack has had on families.

“It’s still settling in and the community’s still getting used to the new reality,” he said. 

“We’re trying to show some resilience.  

“A lot of people are still cautious about attending community events, especially families with children. 

“It’s really sad because they won’t celebrate their Judaism in a community anymore. 

“We’ll see how long it takes to rebound. 

“We need to make sure that they feel supported and confident that they can participate safely in community events again.

“As a Rabbi, that’s really how I judge everything.

“For a mum who wants to bring her kids to a Hanukkah event, I need to think about what will make her feel safe and happy to do that without hesitation.

“And the Royal Commission, I think, is a step along in that direction.” 

Amid the challenges facing the community, Rabbi Yossi emphasised the importance of resilience and positivity, describing the guiding principle as “light over darkness”.

“We encourage everyone to make one small action, such as a simple good deed, as that will bring a little light and push back a lot of darkness,” he told the Newcastle Weekly. 

“In response to antisemitism, some think the solution is more Holocaust education or another museum. 

“I don’t believe that’s the right approach. 

“We don’t want people to see Judaism only as a story of suffering or victimhood. 

“It’s a beautiful, vibrant part of life, and Jewish Australians have contributed so much to this country. 

“We want people to celebrate a living, strong and passionate Judaism.”

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