Global Outcry Following Attack on Jewish Community in Sydney

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has condemned a horrifying attack on the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. In a statement released from his office in Jerusalem, Herzog expressed his deep concern, expressing that the hearts of all Israelis 'skip a beat' at the news of this brutal act perpetrated by terrorists targeting Jews gathered to light the first candle of Hanukkah. Herzog emphasized the worsening situation of antisemitism in Australia, calling on the Australian government to take action against what he described as an 'enormous wave of antisemitism haunting Australian society.' Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar voiced his outrage over the shooting, which he linked to the increase of antisemitic sentiments in Australia. 'I am horrified by the murderous shooting at a Hanukkah event,' Saar stated on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), attributing the attack to the recent antisemitic riots in Australia. He called for the Australian government to recognize the warnings they have been issued and to take appropriate measures. Elsewhere, the Central Council of Jews in Germany expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in Sydney. Their statement, shared on social media alongside an image of a burning candle, read: 'Our thoughts are with Sydney.' As details of the tragic incident remained unclear, the organization extended its sympathies to the victims and their families. The German-Israeli Society's president, Volker Beck, expressed profound shock at the events. He affirmed that 'Antisemitism kills,' calling for a moral stance against anyone who attacks Jewish celebrations and institutions. In Berlin, the Jewish Community Chabad organized a solidarity prayer at the Brandenburg Gate to commemorate the victims, denouncing the act of violence as an assault on fundamental values of peace and religious freedom. The attack drew reactions from various political figures in Germany, including Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Education Minister Karin Prien, who lamented the growing antisemitic hatred evident in recent years. Felix Klein, the Federal Government's Commissioner for Antisemitism, asserted the necessity for increased protection of Jewish life and celebrations against such attacks. He stated, 'Neither the state nor our society should accept this and its cause, antisemitism, unchallenged.' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her shock and condolences to the families affected by the attack. She emphasized Europe’s united front against violence and hatred directed at Jewish communities. Echoing her sentiments, EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola and EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the attack, highlighting that such acts must be met with a decisive condemnation and solidarity from global leaders. This tragic incident has sparked a renewed discussion around antisemitism and its alarming rise globally, reminding communities of the vigilance required to protect against hate and violence. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2