Hanukkah this year opened with joy mixed with sorrow. Jews in Australia and Jews around the world are lighting memorial candles alongside Hanukkah candles in memory of those murdered in the horrific terror attack in Sydney.
Antisemitism has not had such a rejuvenation since the years of the Holocaust. After 80 years, it is back in fashion.
It’s a shocking fact – but still a fact – that even in 2025, Jews are being hunted around the world.
Antisemitism must be fought. Antisemites must be exposed. Calls such as “Globalise the Intifada” have only one meaning: a call to hunt Jews everywhere in the world. They must not be allowed. They must be banned. I said this today to the Australian Foreign Minister.
Western governments face a simple choice: fight antisemitism or normalize it. The Australian government has failed this test. Even compared to the Western countries, the wave of antisemitism that has swept it, both in the virtual space and in the public sphere, is immense. It is, of course, not the only one that has failed.
Israel, the state of the Jewish people, will fight antisemitism with determination. We will call things by their name. We will not allow the normalization of hatred and persecution of Jews.
But we will also remember and remind: on Hanukkah 5786, the Hebrew defensive power is stronger than ever. Our enemies in the region who rose up to destroy us have been struck, and continue to be struck.
Time and again since the establishment of the state, the words of Ze’ev Jabotinsky have been fulfilled:
“For when the enemy bursts from ambush, Then we shall rise and stand in might: Long live the youth, long live the sword, Long live the Maccabean blood!”
The eternal people have returned to our historic homeland, and we are here to stay.
My brothers and sisters, you already know: The light will overcome the darkness. Our people will continue to go from strength to strength, to the open envy of its enemies.
And the Eternity of Israel will not lie.
We will light the candles. A great light in a world where darkness abounds. We will fulfill the historic and moral mission of our people.
Happy Hanukkah to all of Israel!