1982 bombings: Police increase reward to $1m to catch Israeli consulate, Hakoah Club bombers

The 1982 bombings of the Israeli Consulate and Hakoah Club in Sydney remain unsolved, with police increasing the reward for information from $100,000 to $1m as a coronial inquiry is launched by the state government.

A bomb inside a Valiant parked underneath the Hakoah Club, Sydney, failed to detonate properly in the alleged terrorist attack. Police believe the assailants intended to collapse the building. Picture: Supplied

The NSW Government is set to increase in the reward for information leading to the conviction of the people responsible for the 1982 bombings of the Israeli consulate and Hakoah Club in Sydney, from $100,000 to $1m.

About 2pm on December 23, 1982, a bomb exploded directly in front of the Israeli consulate in Westfield Towers on William Street, Sydney. A number of people were injured by shrapnel and glass, and thrown across the room from impacts of the explosion.

Significant damage was caused to the building from the blast, including the internal stairs being reduced to rubble and a 30cm hole being blown through the concrete steel-reinforced floor.

About 6.45pm that same day a second explosive device was detonated in the boot of a Valiant parked at the Hakoah Club, 61-67 Hall Street, Bondi.

The Hakoah Club was hosting hundreds of competitors for the Maccabi Games at the time, while the device failed to detonate properly.

NSW Police have released three images of people they believe can assist with inquiries into the 1982 bombing of the Israeli Consulate and Hakoah Club in Sydney. Picture: NSW Police

Police believe the intention was to collapse the building, and while no-one was directly injured, multiple cars were damaged.

Deemed to be acts of international terrorism, the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) is continuing to investigate the bombings under Strike Force Forbearance.

Investigators continue to seek information from the community to identify three people who they believe can assist with their inquiries.

The NSW Government reward has been increased to $1 million, which can be paid to anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the bombings.

Deputy Premier and Police Minister Paul Toole. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton. Photo: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Deputy Premier and Police Minister Paul Toole said the increased reward was intended to achieve closure for the Jewish and wider Australian community.

“Our police have put unwavering efforts into ensuring that this case can come to a close,” Mr Toole told a press conference Monday morning.

NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said the inquiry marked 10 years of investigations by police.

The announcement coincides with the launch of a coronial inquiry into the bombings at Lidcombe Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex today.

Mr Walton said police believed one person behind the bombings remained in the country, with the inquiry serving as an opportunity for further information to to come through to be considered by the coroner.

“I believe there will be people in the community with information that will assist in determining who was involved in these crimes,” Mr Walton said.

“I encourage anyone who has information to come forward.”

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark believes the $1m reward could bring forward fresh information about the bombings.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO, Darren Bark said the Jewish community remained hopeful for answers after four long decades.

“Despite the miracle that no one was killed, the community deserves to know the truth, and this reward is a step closer to closure,” he said.

“The NSW Jewish community is incredibly grateful for the NSW Police Force and its dedicated detectives who have never given up hope and continue to work every day in the pursuit of justice.”

The increased investment by the NSW Government and inquiry launch come amid reports of a rise in anti-semitic behaviour at eastern suburbs schools in recent months.

Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hill , Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

Rose Bay Secondary College, Rose Bay. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Rose Bay Secondary College along with private all-boys school Cranbrook were forced in September to respond to accusations students at the eastern suburbs high schools had engaged in anti-semitic commentary.

At the time Mr Bark said several schools had signed on to participate in its Respect, Understanding and Acceptance program, which mandated students attend the Sydney Jewish Museum and “introduce[d] new programs for students and teachers which will address anti-Semitism and other forms of hate”.

The new Hakoah Club at White City commenced construction in September, and is set to open its doors in 2024. Image: Hakoah Club.

A long anticipated new Hakoah Club recently commenced construction in Paddington is expected to include a memorial to the 1982 attacks. A plaque commemorating the former Hakoah Club sits at Hall St, Bondi.

Mr Bark told the press conference he believed the reward announcement would lead to fresh information and implored people to come forward.

“If you have any information about what took place on that terrible day, please get in touch.

“Even though forty years might have passed, the pain is just as current as it was on the day it took place.”