ASIO warning before Bondi attack did not single out elevated Hanukkah risk
ASIO's holiday threat assessment did not specifically warn of heightened risks to Hanukkah celebrations prior to the Bondi Beach attack. Despite earlier warnings from a Jewish security organization about a potential terrorist threat, ASIO's report indicated that violent protests were more likely than acts of terrorism. The upcoming royal commission hearings will scrutinize ASIO's intelligence and security preparations related to the attack.
- ▪Fifteen people were killed in the Bondi Beach attack on December 14.
- ▪ASIO's assessment warned that terrorists could target religious festivals but did not single out Hanukkah.
- ▪NSW Police assigned only four officers to monitor the Chanukah by the Sea event despite requests for more security.
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ASIO assessment did not warn about heightened Hanukkah risks before Bondi attackExclusive by Sean Rubinsztein-DunlopABC InvestigationsTopic:Security IntelligenceSat 23 May 2026 at 5:18amSat 23 May 2026 at 5:18amSat 23 May 2026 at 5:18amFifteen people were killed in the attack at Bondi Beach on December 14. (ABC News: Che Chorley)In short:ASIO's annual holiday threat assessment, issued to police and government agencies before the Bondi terrorist attack, warned religious events could be targeted but did not identify elevated risks to Hanukkah celebrations.The advice was circulated days after a Jewish security organisation warned police of a heightened terrorism risk at the Chanukah by the Sea event at Bondi.What's next?ASIO director-general Mike Burgess is expected to face questions at…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).