Sydney primary school student ‘celebrated’ Bondi terror deaths as anti-Semitism incidents rise in NSW schools
A Sydney primary school student allegedly ‘celebrated’ the deaths of the Bondi terror attack victims during class.
A Sydney primary school student allegedly “celebrated” the deaths of victims of the Bondi terror attack during a classroom incident that was later reported to the NSW Department of Education.
The incident, raised during NSW budget estimates on Wednesday, is among at least 100 reported incidents of anti-Semitism across schools in the state since the beginning of 2024.
The student, from Granville South Public School in Western Sydney, was reported to the department’s incident hotline after celebrating the deaths of the 15 victims killed in Australia’s worst terror attack.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“That’s obviously disgusting,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car told the hearing.
While detailed information about the incident was not discussed publicly, a source familiar with the matter, who was not authorised to speak publicly, said it involved a single Year 3 student.
The child was sent to the principal’s office and their parents were contacted following the incident.
In a statement, the NSW Department of Education rejected claims made during the estimates hearing that multiple students had been involved.
“Claims made during estimates that the incident involved multiple students at Granville South Public School are false,” the department said.
“We reject all forms of religious discrimination and racism in our schools.”
The issue was raised during the hearing by independent Sydney MLC Tania Mihailuk, who said there had been reports of “at least 100 antisemitic incidences across our schools”.
Submissions from the Jewish Board of Deputies also state that schools, both public and private, have recorded at least 100 anti-Semitic incidents since early 2024.
When asked whether students had been disciplined for antisemitic behaviour, Ms Car said she did not have operational knowledge of individual disciplinary decisions.
“I’m not operationally across every student who is suspended or expelled,” she said.
NSW Department of Education secretary Murat Dizdar said it was likely the school had taken appropriate action.
“I imagine the school would have taken appropriate disciplinary action,” he said.
