The University of Sydney is under fire from critics who argue it has inadequately responded to antisemitism on campus, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic Bondi Beach terror attack.

On Sunday night, a horrific shooting at Bondi Beach claimed the lives of fifteen individuals during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, leaving the nation in shock.

Authorities have identified one of the attackers as 24-year-old Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg, located in Sydney’s southwest. Akram is currently receiving medical treatment under police supervision after being wounded by officers, while his 50-year-old father was killed during the incident.

Professor Mark Scott, the university’s Vice-Chancellor and President, addressed the tragedy in a social media statement, condemning the attack as an ‘appalling and senseless act.’

Scott expressed profound sympathy, stating, “We offer our deepest condolences to the Jewish community and everyone impacted. We stand in solidarity with you, profoundly shaken by this unimaginable tragedy at one of our city’s beloved sites.”

However, the message was criticised by some who accused the university of allowing intimidatory behaviour and anti-Israel statements at campus protests since the October 7 attacks and subsequent retaliatory action in Gaza. 

‘I hope this serves as a wake-up call to make our campus safer and prevent violent extremist groups from hiding behind so-called peaceful protests,’ one commenter online posted.

An image of activists on campus at the University of Sydney during the 2024 protests 

The university later disabled comments on the post, and amended the caption to state it was out of respect for victims and their families.

The institution has been under scrutiny in recent years over its response to Hizb ut-Tahrir, a radical Islamist group banned in several countries, including the UK, where it was listed as a terrorist organisation in January 2024.

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and federal opposition MPs have previously called for urgent government intervention, warning figures linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir had infiltrated campuses to spread pro-Hamas messages and glorify terrorism.

Hizb ut-Tahrir operates openly in Australia, with affiliated activists involved in organising pro-Palestinian encampments at the University of Sydney last year. 

These demonstrations were marked by radical slogans including ‘intifada’ and ‘from the river to the sea’ which call for the destruction of Israel.

University officials were reportedly told on 6 May that Hizb ut-Tahrir members were active in campus demonstrations, yet critics say Vice-Chancellor Scott failed to move against the encampment or keep extremists off university grounds, even after clear warnings.

Hizb ut-Tahrir supporters have previously celebrated the 7 October terrorist attacks, calling the day ‘a day of pride’ and urging ‘continued resistance until Israel is completely wiped off the map.’

Activists linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir are understood to have been involved in the encampment 

Affiliates of Hizb ut-Tahrir were reportedly involved in negotiations with university officials to end the encampment.

As part of the agreement, concessions included establishing a working group to review defence-related investments and granting protesters representation in the process.

The deal, reached on 21 June after eight weeks of demonstrations, commits the university to examine its investment portfolio and defence research activities.

Jewish community leaders condemned the outcome, stating: ‘Protesters, many from outside the university, intimidated the campus community and disrupted campus life without consequence, and have now been rewarded for doing so.’

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley referred to the protests on Monday, warning that growing antisemitism had led to campuses being ‘occupied’ and Jewish students ‘made to feel afraid.’

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip also criticised the state of Australian university campuses. 

‘It’s utterly unacceptable that Jewish academics and students on university campuses are being harassed and ostracised for being Jewish,’ he said on Monday. 

Responding to questions from Daily Mail, a University of Sydney spokesperson said the institution stood ‘firm in support of our Jewish staff, students, and the broader community following the horrific attack.’ 

The University of Sydney said they stood ‘firm in support of our Jewish staff, students, and the broader community following the horrific attack.’

The statement did not address Hizb ut-Tahrir specifically.

‘We remain steadfast in our support for Jewish staff and students. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our entire community,’ a spokesperson said. 

Over the past 18 months, we have worked closely with Jewish community leaders to strengthen relationships, and we extend our deepest sympathies and unwavering support.’

NSW Liberal MP Susan Carter, who has previously criticised the University of Sydney for allowing Hizb ut-Tahrir on campus, said she welcomed Professor Scott’s comments, but urged the university to act to protect students. 

‘I look forward to that support being expressed in tangible form, including the implementation of all the recommendations of the Hodgkinson Review,’ she told Daily Mail. 

The review, commissioned by the University Senate in 2024 following the campus encampment protests, examined university policies and procedures.

‘These recommendations include introducing a Civility Rule, which requires speakers to clarify the meaning of contested words or phrases – such as ‘from the river to the sea’,’ Carter said.