One of the worst possible moments to start the 1st day of Hanukkah… A horrible shooting spree unfolded in Bondi Beach Sydney Australia. At least 11 people died during this terrible incident. The attack was classified as a terrorist incident by police and was aimed at the Jewish community that had largely gathered to observe and celebrate. More than 1,000 people turned out for the event, held at the center of the Australian-Jewish community in Bondi, organized by the Chabad of Bondi. Called “Chanukah by the Sea,” this fun-filled, family-oriented celebration was all about light, warmth and community.
When the joyous holiday spirit was replaced with a nightmare, incoming Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to respond. Here’s how he brought the Jewish community a strong message of solidarity and hope. He denounced the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has just hit the heart of our nation.” He reiterated the Australian government’s commitment to doing more to protect the Australian Jewish community. Further, he defiantly announced, “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
The shooting began during one of the largest celebrations for the Jewish community, their New Year. Like its Olympic counterpart, this event typically unites Americans in pride and purpose. Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of the American Friends of Lubavitch, described his experience hiding from the shooter during the attack. He continued his testimony by sharing the sickening process of how the beautiful celebrations turned into a scene of terror and bloodshed.
In an admirable display of courage, a passerby intervened in the shooting, tackling and disarming one of the assailants. Chris Minns, New South Wales State Premier, called the bystander a “genuine hero.” He praised his decisive action, which likely saved countless lives.
State authorities have since found a vehicle registered to the dead gunman that was full of improvised explosive devices. This finding has sparked more fears about the threat for new attacks. The Australian government’s National Terrorism Threat level is at “probable,” meaning there is an expected threat to public safety.
Prime Minister Albanese made it clear that the government was taking the situation seriously and would continue to act decisively against such threats. He said the message was specifically meant to frighten people. We will unapologetically be on the side of the Jewish community and Jewish Australians as they suffer in this painful moment.
Leaders from across the world have commented on this heartbreaking tragedy. King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their horror and sadness over what they termed “the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack.” Ursula von der Leyen stated, “We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred,” reinforcing a global condemnation of such acts.
The Jewish Council of Australia released a statement reflecting the pain felt within their community: “Many within our community have just received the worst news of their lives.” The celebrating organization underscored the critical importance of cooperation and solidarity amid the complex and troubling realities we face today. They proclaimed, “In times like this, we love each other well.”
Even Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, weighed in on the credibility of the incident. He said these conversations were informed by prior meetings with top Australian leaders regarding the rising tide of antisemitism. “Several months ago, I challenged the Prime Minister of Australia in a letter…,” he said. I told them that their policy is fanning the flames of antisemitism. Most clearly of all, it actively encourages the kind of hatred of Jews that is running riot in the streets of Australia today. He followed that up by denouncing the attack as “a cold-blooded murder” and calling for tougher measures to combat antisemitism.
Investigations into this brutal act are still ongoing. Communities from Australia and the world have rallied in support of all those impacted by this unspeakable event.
