$1 million reward for terrorism cold case bombings as inquiry begins
Image: Police are searching for public information about the suspects in the drawings. Photo: NSW Police.
By ERIN MODARO
A $1 million award has been promised to anyone who can supply information about terrorist bombings that happened on Sydney’s streets forty years ago. In December of 1982 a bomb went off outside the Israeli Consulate in Westfield Towers on Williams Street at around 2pm. Later that day at around 6:45pm, another bomb detonated at the Hakoah Club in Hall Street, Bondi.
Police believe the consulate bombing, which injured several people from flying shrapnel and glass, was motivated by Palestinian nationalism. The building sustained significant damage which decimated the inner stairway and created a hole in a concrete steel-reinforced floor.
No one was injured in the Hakoah Club bombing, as the device failed to properly explode.
The two bombings were quickly recognised to be connected, however no person or group has ever been brought to justice for the attack. The bombings have since been hailed as Australia’s first ever terrorism cold case.
Coronial Inquiry begins
The interest in the cold case has arisen as a Coronial Inquiry into the bombings has begun. Detectives on Strike Force Forbearance who police say have dedicated thousands of hours to investigating the case have prepared evidence to present to the inquiry which officially began on December 5.
The reward for information has been increased to coincide with the start of the inquiry.
“I hope this increased reward of $1 million will be the final push members of the public need to offer up information – no matter how big or small it may seem – to help police in their unwavering quest for answers and provide closure for all those involved,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole.
“These attacks have remained in the hearts and minds of Jewish, Israeli and Australian communities – and certainly never forgotten by investigators – who’ve worked diligently to prepare evidence for the information of the NSW Coroner” Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said.
Jewish community seeks answers
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark said that for decades the Jewish community has “searched for answers about this heinous terrorist attack”.
Police and the NSWJCCT, which is comprised of Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission, hope the increased award will shed light on the case that has yet to be solved.
“Despite the miracle that no one was killed, the community deserves to know the truth, and this reward is a step closer to closure” Bark said.
The reward will be received by anyone who supplies information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the bombings. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, or contact crimestoppers.
