Rabbi's moving tribute to son-in-law as antisemitism royal commission ends

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion concluded its 60-day public hearings on Wednesday, with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman as the final witness. His testimony was deeply personal, as he lost his son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, in the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, 2025. Rabbi Ulman dedicated much of his statement to his son-in-law, describing him as someone he had worked with for years. The mourners overflowed into the street upon hearing Rabbi Ulman's heartfelt remarks.

Commissioner Virginia Bell SC, who requested her final report and recommendations be delivered by December 18, 2026, expressed gratitude for the commission's work. She acknowledged the solemn burden of listening to the pain of the community, examining the health of society, and charting a path forward. Rabbi Ulman emphasized that the events leading to the inquiry were not mere statistics or headlines; they were an empty seat at a Shabbat table and a child asking a parent if it was safe to wear something identifying as Jewish.

The commission's inquiry exposed confronting evidence of antisemitism in Australia, with people coming forward to relive painful experiences because they believed it was essential for the truth to be heard and for Australia to learn from it. Rabbi Ulman urged Australia to confront hatred and radicalization whenever and wherever they arise.

He highlighted that Australia stood at a crossroads, needing to decide what it was prepared to tolerate, defend, and stand up for. In the face of darkness, he reminded the audience that they still had a choice: anger and division, or a different path.

Rabbi Ulman recalled the tragic loss of Rabbi Schlanger's two-month-old son, who was also injured during the attack. He expressed his hope that when his grandson grows up, he will understand what Australia chose to do in response to the tragedy and be proud of the decision made. The commissioner's final report and recommendations are now scheduled to be delivered by December 18, 2026, to avoid distracting from the solemn occasion of the attack's first anniversary. Over 20,000 submissions and 550,000 documents have been made to the commission.