The Wilcox cartoon has sparked a heated debate, and we acknowledge the pain it inflicted.
A nation in mourning demands answers. On January 11, 2026, amidst the aftermath of the Bondi massacre, this publication took a bold stance, advocating for a royal commission to investigate the heinous attack on the Jewish community. We urged Prime Minister Albanese to address the surge in antisemitism, which intensified after the Hamas attacks in 2023 and Israel's Gaza bombardment.
We rallied thousands of Australians, including business leaders and sports stars, to join our call for a federal inquiry. The Bondi Response group, a diverse coalition, raised funds for a media campaign, driven by a sense of justice. While we believed a royal commission was necessary, we also respected dissenting opinions, publishing diverse perspectives.
But here's where it gets controversial. The Cathy Wilcox cartoon, published on January 7, has become a focal point of contention. Our cartoonists have a long-standing tradition of satirizing public hypocrisy, targeting the powerful and influential. Wilcox's cartoon aimed to critique the swift politicization of the Bondi attack, featuring Benjamin Netanyahu's criticism of the Prime Minister's Palestine recognition. While some readers found it thought-provoking, many in the Jewish community were deeply offended.
We acknowledge the hurt caused and offer a sincere apology. As the royal commission commences, the boundaries of free speech will be scrutinized. The recent withdrawal of writers from Adelaide Writers' Week, in response to the removal of Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, highlights the complexity of this issue. These withdrawals were not endorsements of her views but a stand for free expression.
And this is the part most people miss. While we uphold free speech, we also recognize its potential harm. Hate speech has no place, but diverse political opinions must be heard. Cartoonists like Wilcox should be free to express their views, and dissenting voices within the Jewish community, critical of Netanyahu's policies, should not be silenced. This nuanced debate demands attention, and we invite our readers to share their thoughts.
