PROF ROHAN GUNARATNE  Courtesy Hiru News

3 Reasons why the Bondi beach attack may have been inevtiable: An exclusive analysis with Prof. Rohan Gunaratna

The horrific terrorist attack that struck a Jewish Festival of Lights celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, 2025, has been definitively identified as an operation executed by a father and son with proven ties to the Islamic State (IS). The attack on the iconic Australian beach resulted in a tragic toll of 16 fatalities and at least 40 injuries.
Terrorism expert Professor Rohan Gunaratna from the Nanyang Techological Campus in Singapore, provided a detailed analysis, confirming the identities of the perpetrators and outlining the complex factors that fueled their radicalisation and subsequent violence.
Professor Gunaratna confirmed that the cell was comprised of 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Naveed was reportedly radicalised into the Islamic State six years prior and subsequently indoctrinated his father.
According to the Professor’s findings, both individuals had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State caliph and were found to be in possession of two IS flags, leaving no doubt as to the affiliation and motivation behind the strike on the Jewish community celebration.
The analysis detailed three critical, interconnected factors that drove the perpetrators towards this violent act, highlighting deep-seated issues that extend beyond the immediate incident:

1. Global Conflict and Radicalisation: Professor Gunaratna pointed to the ongoing developments in Gaza as a major catalyst for radicalisation globally. Following the Hamas-led attack in October 2023 and the subsequent conflict, worldwide protests have intensified the radicalisation of certain Muslim segments, turning religious extremism into an increasingly global phenomenon.
2. Failure of Integration: While acknowledging the inherent kindness of Australians towards migrants, the Professor noted that significant portions of the Muslim migrant community had failed to integrate properly. These groups often reside in ethnic and religious enclaves, effectively importing problems from their home countries into Australia. He stressed that a robust integration strategy is desperately needed.
3. Lack of Inter-Religious Harmony: The analysis concluded that the absence of sufficient inter-religious harmony—specifically between Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and Jews—is a crucial factor. Gunaratna cautioned strongly against allowing religious hatred to take root between these communities.

Professor Gunaratna emphasized the critical responsibility of Muslim leadership in mitigating future threats. He urged leaders to proactively counsel their communities against conducting attacks “in the name of Allah” and to reject the influence of conspiracy theories.
Crucially, the Professor called for “extraordinary effort” to build bridges and foster relationships between Muslims and all othe religious communities, stating that failure to do so guarantees the rise of extremists across the religious spectrum. For the current generation to live in peace, Professor Gunaratna concluded, the principle must be understood that there is no hierarchy in religion; instead, all faiths must universally promote moderation, toleration, and coexistence.
The Sydney attack, therefore, serves as a powerful signal for governments worldwide to strengthen strategies for integrating diverse groups and promoting inter-religious dialogue before global conflicts can be imported and weaponised locally. HIRU NEWS