The Age newspaper published an editorial on January 11, 2026, issuing an apology for a Cathy Wilcox cartoon printed on January 7. The cartoon reportedly caused hurt and offense, particularly within the Jewish community. The publication acknowledged the distress and offered a sincere apology for the pain.
Context for the Cartoon
Prior to the cartoon's publication, The Age had editorially advocated for a Commonwealth royal commission to investigate the Bondi attack, specifically focusing on the rise of antisemitism, which it stated had intensified since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and Israel's subsequent actions in Gaza. The masthead also supported a media advertising campaign by the Bondi Response group, which aimed to gather support for this royal commission.
The Cartoon's Intent and Impact
The Cathy Wilcox cartoon was reportedly intended to scrutinize the immediate politicization that followed the Bondi attack. It included a depiction of Benjamin Netanyahu, referencing his condemnation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recognition of Palestine. While some readers found the cartoon thought-provoking, The Age confirmed that a significant portion of the community, especially Jewish individuals, found it deeply offensive.
Free Speech Discussion
The editorial also addressed the ongoing debate surrounding free speech. It referenced the withdrawal of several prominent writers from Adelaide Writers' Week following the removal of Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah from the program. These withdrawals were presented as actions in support of free speech, distinct from an endorsement of Abdel-Fattah's specific views. The Age affirmed its support for free speech but acknowledged its capacity to cause harm, stating that while there is no place for hate speech, there must be room for individuals to express their political and world views. It concluded that cartoonists like Wilcox should be permitted to depict events as they perceive them, and diverse opinions, including those from the Jewish community critical of Israeli policies under Benjamin Netanyahu, should not be suppressed.