On the evening of December 14, during a Chanukah event in Sydney, a horrific terrorist attack unfolded in Bondi, one of Sydney’s most iconic and heavily frequented areas. According to the authorities, the latest reports indicate that twelve people were brutally murdered, at least 29 were transported to hospital and up to 60 people injured. The attack has sent shockwaves throughout the jewish community leaving the community devasted. Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs stated that it is closely engaged with the situation and is providing support to the Jewish community in Australia.
In a statement on twitter, Minister Amichai Chikli said, “Over the past hour, I have held a series of conversations with leaders of the Jewish community in Australia, following the most severe and devastating terrorist attack ever carried out against the Jewish community in the country. Dozens were harmed — both killed and wounded.
On behalf of the State of Israel, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those murdered and wish a full and speedy recovery to the many injured.
A government that normalized boycotts against Jews solely because they are Jewish, tolerated marches in which the flags of Al-Qaeda, the PLO, and Hamas were openly displayed, and for two years failed to act decisively against serious antisemitic incidents, bears responsibility for the horrific scenes witnessed today.
Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism is fully prepared and has offered its full support and assistance to the Jewish community in Australia during these difficult hours.”
Since October 7th, rather than standing clearly and decisively with the State of Israel—the only democracy in the Middle East and a key defender of the free world against jihadist terrorism—the australian government has pursued a path marked by hesitation, restraint, and appeasement.
Data and analysis held by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs indicate that Australia is experiencing one of the sharpest increases in antisemitic activity among Western countries since October 7. Repeated warnings and efforts to engage with authorities have been ignored, as the government continues to appease extremist elements driven by antisemitism, hostility toward Israel, and the denial of the Jewish people’s right to exist.
The ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism will continue to act with full determination against antisemitism in Australia and around the world. We share in the grief of the families. May the memory of the victims be a blessing, and we wish a full recovery to the wounded. The state of israel stands and will continue to stand with you. The Jewish community in Australia will continue to strengthen despite the efforts of those to seek or erase it.
Press Statement | Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism
The Murderous Shooting Attack in Australia: The Blood of the Victims Is on the Hands of the Australian Government
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism condemns with shock and profound grief the murderous shooting attack carried out today in Sydney. This was a brutal act of terror targeting Jews who had gathered to mark the lighting of a Hanukkah candle.
The reality is clear and painful. The blood of the victims is on the hands of the Australian government.
Since October 7, instead of standing firmly and unequivocally alongside the State of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and the frontline of the free world against jihadist terrorism, the Australian government has chosen a policy of weakness, restraint, and appeasement.
This reckless policy has direct consequences at home within Australia itself. The Australian government is doing everything in its power to ensure that Australian Jews cannot live safely, peacefully, and securely as Jews in their own country. The result is unmistakable. When Jews gather to celebrate a Jewish holiday and light a candle, they are met with murderous violence and terror.
All reports, research, and data held by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs show that Australia has become one of the Western countries experiencing the sharpest and most alarming rise in antisemitic incidents since October 7. Repeated warnings, appeals, and attempts to engage with the authorities have been met time and again with a wall of indifference, while the government continues a policy of appeasement toward jihadist elements and movements driven by hatred, the destruction of Israel, and the denial of the Jewish people’s very right to exist.
Some mistakenly believe that Jews can be sacrificed, that appeasing jihadists and turning a blind eye to incitement will buy quiet and stability. History teaches the opposite. Appeasing the enemies of Western civilization does not bring safety. It only brings the next catastrophe closer.
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism will continue to act with full determination against antisemitism in Australia and around the world. The State of Israel will continue to support, train, and strengthen Jewish communities so they can confront threats, incitement, and violence, even when local governments choose to fail in their most basic responsibility of protecting their citizens.
We share in the grief of the families. May the memory of the victims be a blessing, and we wish a full and speedy recovery to the wounded.
To the Jewish community of Australia, we say clearly that you are not alone. Just as you stood with the State of Israel in its darkest moments, the State of Israel stands and will continue to stand with you. The Jewish community in Australia will continue to live, grow, and flourish, despite all attempts by those who seek its destruction.