The cause of two foiled terror attacks — which could have been disastrous — in Sydney 40 years ago is being examined today by the state coroner.
Those responsible for the bombings at the Israeli consulate on William Street and at Bondi's Jewish Hakoah Club a few days before Christmas in 1982 have never been identified.
The eight-day inquiry will examine the cause and origin of the two blasts, whether the incidents were linked and if there was significant evidence against a person for referral to the prosecutor.
Witnesses to be called to give evidence will include NSW Police detectives, a former FBI special agent and a US counterterrorism expert.
In his opening statements this morning, Crown advocate David Kell SC told the Lidcombe Coroner's Court that evidence would be presented which suggested the explosive devices were likely made "offshore" by founder of the Palestinian "15 May" terror organisation, Husayn Al-Umari.
Mr Kell said Al-Umari had previously been described as the "grandfather of bombmakers".
"The explosions were linked and committed by the same terrorist organisation with local assistance," Mr Kell said.
Al-Umari was wanted by the United States on several charges including his alleged role in the August 1982 bombing of Pan Am Flight 830, while it was en route from Japan to Hawaii.
A handful of people were injured by shrapnel and glass in the attack at the consulate at about 2pm on December 23.
Four hours later, a bomb which failed to detonate properly was found in the boot of a Valiant parked at the Hakoah club, which was packed with athletes preparing for the Maccabiah Games.
There could have been a mass murder if the attack went to plan.
One man was charged, but the case was dropped before the trial.
The NSW government has increased the reward for information that could solve the case from $100,000 to $1 million in a bid to encourage people who know something to come forward.
Investigators have asked for members of the public to come forward with any information they have on three people they believe were involved.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said detectives were committed to solving the crime and providing answers to those involved.
"These two horrific targeted attacks were international acts of terrorism, and despite extensive damage caused … we are extremely fortunate that no-one was killed," Mr Toole said.
NSW Police Counter Terrorism Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton welcomed the increased reward.
"These attacks have remained in the hearts and minds of Jewish, Israeli and Australian communities," Assistant Commissioner Walton said.
"It is our hope that the reward will motivate those who know who was involved in the bombings to come forward and help us solve this 40-year-old mystery."
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive officer Darren Bark said the community deserved to know the truth.
"For four long decades, our community has searched for answers about this heinous terrorist attack ... this reward is a step closer to closure," Mr Bark said.
