Tens of thousands packed Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. They rallied as one community to grieve the loss of life from the evil and racist shooting that targeted a Hanukkah celebration. The attack, which occurred during a vibrant festival marking the Jewish holiday, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and left at least 40 others injured with intent to murder. This tragic act of hate has stirred a national outcry against growing antisemitism in our nation, focusing attention on protecting vulnerable communities today, tomorrow, and beyond.
This horror show erupted on a night of celebration when families had come together to celebrate life. Eyewitnesses shared stories of the panic and confusion as emergency response sounded, forcing festivalgoers to run for their lives. Two police officers who responded to the scene were critically wounded in the crossfire. In response, three responding officers shot the suspect, Naveed Akram. In the meantime, the other suspect, Ahmed al Ahmed, is charged with 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of intent to kill or severely injure.
The attack was reportedly inspired by the Islamic State group, further intensifying fears about domestic terrorism and extremism within Australia. In the aftermath, al Ahmed sent a message of support from his hospital bed, stating, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Today I stand with you, my brothers and sisters.” His words convey the profound sadness that the community feels right now. They send a clear message on the need for solidarity and collective response to hate.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese coincidently was at a commemoration for those victims. More than 10,000 attendees said, no, my heart aches, and I stand in solidarity with you. At the memorial event, Albanese joined other city leaders in expressing his profound sadness over the attack. He referred to it as a “dreadful antisemitic act” that has deeply impacted the soul of the nation. As he reflected on the tragedy, he emphasized that it should be a call to action to fight against hate.
David Ossip, a prominent community leader, expressed his dismay at the incident, stating, “This has to be the nadir of antisemitism in our country. This has to be the moment when light starts to eclipse the darkness.” His comments linger with so many that gathered at the memorial, calling all of us to stand together to fight hatred and violence in our communities.
In reaction to the shooting, Australian governments are moving decisively. They have kicked off a process of scrutinization on federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies that has signaled an era of increasing severity against extremist views. The New South Wales state parliament is due very soon to pass new hate speech and gun control legislation. These are common sense, meaningful measures to help ensure that similar tragedies never happen again. These joint legislative proposals signal the increasing acknowledgment that antisemitism is more than a mere annoyance—it is a serious threat that needs to be addressed.
The attack has drawn international criticism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s condemnation of Prime Minister Albanese’s calls for a Palestinian state. He added that such statements “serve to pour fuel on the antisemitic fire.” This statement reflects the complications of these discussions in the U.S. over how they might contribute to antisemitism worldwide.
As the community heals, most are coming together with the resolve to fight against hate and violence. Memorials, tributes and vigils are popping up in Sydney and throughout Australia. This historic movement illustrates our nation’s steadfast commitment to push back against antisemitism and rise together with a firm and united purpose.
