Reactions pour in from Israel and U.S., including San Diego congregations.
By Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
A Pakistani father and son with automatic weapons opened fire, killing at least 15 people and wounding a score of others at a celebration of the first night of Chanukah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Initially, authorities reported 11 people slain and 29 wounded in the terrorist attack but those numbers kept creeping up as the hours passed. A crowd estimated at 1,000 or more were celebrating the start of the 8-day Jewish holiday when the shooting started about 6:45 p.m., apparently from a bridge overlooking a grassy area abutting the beach.
Among the dead:
— Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a London-born assistant rabbi at Chabad at Bondi, whose wife gave birth two months ago to a fifth child. His uncle, Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, lives in Poway and was himself wounded the last day of Passover in 2019 when a gunman fired shots in Chabad of Poway, killing congregant Lori Gilbert Kaye.
–Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, who came from Ukraine. His wife Larisa said he was shot protecting her. The couple had two children and 11 grandchildren.
—Matilda Poltavchenko, 10.
—Dan Elkayam, an immigrant to Australia from France, whose death was announced with “great sadness” by France’s President Emmanuel Macron.
—Reuven Marron, who immigrated to Australia from the Soviet Union
–Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, secretary of the Sydney Beth Din (Rabbinical Court)
—Marika Pogany, 82
–Peter Meagher, the event’s photographer
–An Israeli citizen, identification pending.
One of the shooters was identified as Naveed Akram, 24, who was wounded and hospitalized. His father, Sajid, 50 was fatally shot by police. Their car, reportedly containing improvised explosive devices, was towed away under police guard. Police said Sajid had links to Islamic State (ISIS) and that two ISIS flags were found in the car.
Among 40 people who remained hospitalized on Monday (Sunday on the U.S. side of the International Date Line) was fruit stand proprietor Ahmed El-Ahmed, a Syrian-born bystander who tackled one of the gunmen from behind, wresting his weapon from him, prompting praise from Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales. Minns said: “That man is a genuine hero and I’ve got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
Anthony Albanese, Australia’s prime minister, in a statement from Canberra, Australia’s capital, said: “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith. An act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
Albanese also praised “everyday Australians who, without hesitating, put themselves in danger in order to keep their fellow Australian safe. These Australians are heroes, and their bravery has saved lives.” The prime minister subsequently traveled to Sydney and laid a wreath at the site of the massacre.
On Monday, Albanese said he would seek to restrict gun ownership, pointing out that Sajid Akram owned six firearms, all legally obtained and licensed over a 10-year period. “People’s circumstances can change,” Albanese said. “People can be radicalized over a period of time. Licenses should not be in perpetuity.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who protested Australia’s recognition of Palestine statehood in September, said: “A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the Australian prime minister. I wrote to him that their policy, ‘pours fuel on the antisemitic fire, it encourages the Jew hatred now in your streets.'” [See Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel‘s OpEd about Albanese’s moral culpability.)
Jews in Australia number approximately 117,000, roughly the same number as Jews living in San Diego County. Alex Ryvchin, CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said due to the rising number of antisemitic incidents over the last two years, the worst fears of the Jewish community came true on Sunday. “It’s been bubbling under the surface for a long time, and now it’s actually happened.
Robert Gregory of the Australia Jewish Association said many Jews will ponder whether they have a future in Australia.
U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing guests at a White House pre-Christmas celebration, said “we can say loudly that we [also] celebrate Chanukah because that was such a horrible attack. That was a purely antisemitic attack.” Trump praised El-Ahmed not by name but as that “very brave person who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives — a very brave person who is now in the hospital, pretty seriously wounded. So great respect to the man who did that.”
It was unclear why Trump described El-Ahmed’s attack as “frontally” when video showed him surprising the shooter from behind. The other shooter thereafter wounded El Ahmed with shots to the hand and arm.
Zaka, the volunteer service in Israel that carefully removes body parts from scenes of mass casualties so they can be buried in accordance with Jewish law, announced it was sending a crew to Sydney to assist where needed.
The Palestinian Authority and the majority Muslim nations of Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates issued statements condemning the attacks and sending condolences to the families of the victims. The Australian National Imams Council stated: “We extend our support and deepest sympathies to the Jewish community during this difficult time. While this attack has targeted the Jewish community, it is in reality an attack on all of us, including the Muslim community.”
The J7 Large Communities’ Task Force Against Antisemitism, representing leading organizations in the seven Diaspora countries with the largest Jewish populations (Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States), issued the following statement about the massacre at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia:
“We are horrified and heartbroken by the antisemitic terrorist attack targeting innocent Jews and others celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney. This act of evil, which has taken eleven innocent lives and wounded many others, must be condemned by all. We mourn the victims and pray for the full recovery of the injured.
“This tragedy is especially painful coming less than a week after J7 leaders convened in Sydney for our first-ever summit in Australia. During our visit, we stood in solidarity with the local community as they navigated a sharp rise in antisemitic sentiment and incidents since October 7, 2023. We are devastated and outraged to see those tensions escalate into such lethal violence on Australian soil.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and our J7 partner, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ). We support their leadership during this crisis and support them in calling on the Australian Government to take all necessary measures to confront this hatred and ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
“Jewish families should not need armed security to light Hanukkah candles, nor should they have to fear for their lives in public spaces.
“We remain committed to working with our partners worldwide to ensure that Jewish life can thrive safely, proudly and without fear.”
Here are excerpts of other reactions from prominent Jews and Jewish organizations all over the world:
ISRAEL
Yoni Gilboa, director of Zaka Tel Aviv: “We are devastated by the reports of the brutal antisemitic terror attack at the ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ celebration at Bondi Beach. At least 12 people have killed in this evil massacre, including the beloved Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who dedicated his life to spreading light.”
Gilad Kariv, Chair of the Knesset Committee on Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs: “A horrific tragedy has unfolded in Australia. Our hearts are with the members of the Jewish community in Sydney and across the country. The Australian government must act decisively to ensure the safety of Australian Jews and to combat the scourge of antisemitism.”
Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz, founder of Jews for Judaism: “Although we are filled with tremendous pain and sorrow, we must take this tragic event to heart and use it as a call to action, committing ourselves to bringing more light into the world. This is the Jewish way!”
Rabbi Doron Perez, president of the World Zionist Organization: “To the Australian government, and indeed every national leader and person of influence who has failed to properly recognize and deter the escalating threat from terror and incitement – you must accept that this is the horrific and tragic result.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar: “These are the results of the anti-Semitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the anti-Semitic and inciting calls of “Globalize the Intifada’ that were realized today. The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses.”
UNITED STATES
Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism CEO: “Jewish tradition tells us to light Hanukkah candles so they can be seen by the public – a mitzvah called pirsuma d’nissa. This year, in the face of this cowardly attack, the act of bringing light into a very dark world is one of defiance, faith and hope. Over eight nights, as we add to the number of candles we kindle, the amount of light we bring into the world grows. In the spirit of the Al Hanissim prayer that we begin reciting this evening, we trust that, with God’s help, we will see light prevail over darkness, and righteousness overcome evil.”
Ted Deutch, American Jewish Committee CEO: “The response from Australia’s leaders must be strong. Not just statements, but bold action. From the Prime Minister. From state government leaders. From law enforcement. And from Australian society. This cannot be tolerated. We will not just move on from this. Not in Australia or Europe or America. Antisemitism is a threat to all of society everywhere in the world. It’s not only the Jewish community that’s at risk if leaders fail to respond.”
Stephen Flatow, president of Religious Zionists of America: “RZA condemns this act of terror in the strongest possible terms and urges Australian authorities to pursue not only the perpetrators, but any networks and inciters who fueled this violence. Jewish communities must be able to gather openly—on holidays, at community celebrations, and in public spaces—without fear. RZA also offers prayers for the first responders and medical teams treating survivors, and calls on leaders of conscience everywhere to speak with moral clarity against antisemitic hatred and extremist violence.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, national CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, urged non-Jews to “go to a local synagogue, go to a public menorah lighting, and stand with your Jewish neighbors and friends, your Jewish brothers and sisters, because this hate that’s coming for the Jewish people, it comes for everyone.”
Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, executive vice president and CEO of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations: “Chanukah is the most public of Jewish holidays. We mark the defeat of ancient antisemitic persecution by lighting our menorahs openly and unapologetically. That is precisely why this attack matters. It was meant to intimidate, silence, and drive Jews out of the public square. It will fail.”
Brad Lander, New York City Controller: “Our menorahs tonight will also be yahrzeit candles – with grief for this grievous loss and rededication to shine brighter than slaughter and hate.”
Ronald S. Lauder, CEO of the World Jewish Congress: “The World Jewish Congress is in close contact with local leaders responding on the ground. As information about ongoing threats continues to arrive, we must heighten vigilance and work in close coordination with law enforcement and security authorities to ensure that Jewish life can continue openly, safely, and without intimidation. Make no mistake, this will not break us. We will continue to stand proudly, united against all forms of violence and hate, and in unwavering solidarity with Jewish communities everywhere.”
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Brian Romick, president and CEO of Democratic Majority for Israel: “This terrorist attack makes painfully clear that antisemitic violence remains a grave and growing threat. Jews must be able to gather, pray, and celebrate their religion openly and safely. From the Tree of Life to Poway, from Boulder to Washington, D.C., and now Bondi Beach, the rise of violent antisemitism demands urgent and sustained action from our leaders and communities.”
Roz Rothstein, StandWithUs CEO: “Today, standing tall as Jews and standing proudly for Israel has never been more important than it is right now. Our identity, our history, and our values are sources of resilience and hope. We will not shrink in the face of darkness, and we will always work hard to illuminate it. As we light the Chanukah candles, may we keep in mind all those murdered and injured on this very day. May the candles remind us of our responsibility to bring light, truth, and moral clarity into the world; to confront antisemitism wherever it appears; and to stand unapologetically with Israel and the Jewish people.”
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York): The Bondi massacre is a “shocking reminder that antisemitism and hate is not only toxic and far too present and widespread around the world, it is deadly. It must be vigorously condemned, confronted and overcome.”
Amy Spitalnick, Jewish Council for Public Affairs CEO: “We need leaders across society to speak out and stand with the Jewish community in meaningful ways rather than excusing antisemitism. We need social media platforms and others to recognize that rhetoric has real-world consequences and act accordingly. We need to build broad coalitions to root out this hate rather than allowing it to be weaponized to advance political agendas. Together, we must work to build a world in which Jews and all people can celebrate their faith and their identities without fear of violence.”
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers: “Hanukkah should be filled with light and hope—but instead we are confronting devastation and heartbreak in two cities half a world away. Our prayers are with those recovering from injuries and those mourning the loss of loved ones in both Providence [Rhode Island, where 2 students at Brown University were fatally wounded] and Sydney. Let’s light a candle to chase away the hate and darkness that can seem like it’s all around us. These tragic but preventable incidents leave lasting scars, no matter the country or community in which they occur. And while we don’t know the cause yet of the senseless deaths on the Brown campus, we do know the cause of the senseless deaths on Bondi Beach: antisemitism, a scourge that must be fought by everyone.”
California State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco): “As 2,000 Jews celebrated the first night of Hanukkah in Australia, terrorists targeted them, massacring 11. We mourn the dead. This is the latest violent attack on Jews around the world, including in the U.S. Antisemitic violence doesn’t randomly happen. It happens because of the antisemitic atmosphere that’s being allowed to fester. Violence is the inevitable result of the endless demonization and targeting of Jews and Jewish institutions, including synagogues, that we see globally. It must stop.”
California Legislative Jewish Caucus — “Antisemitism, including violent attacks on Jews, is on the rise in the US and around the world. We must never allow this violence — or the rhetoric and targeting of Jews that gives rise to this violence — to be normalized. As Hanukkah begins, Jews in our state are deeply concerned about this rise in antisemitic violence. But Hanukkah is a celebration of resilience and our community will continue to stand proudly for our traditions and our values. The California Legislative Jewish Caucus, through our Foundation, is donating $36,000 to help Jewish community organizations enhance security during these celebrations.”
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America: “We call on global and community leaders of all faiths to confront antisemitism wherever it appears, reject it without equivocation and take meaningful action to protect Jewish communities. History has shown again and again that hateful words lead to incitement – and incitement leads to bloodshed.”
Israeli-American Council (IAC) – “This despicable attack shows what happens when rampant antisemitism goes unchecked. Hateful antisemitic slogans against Jews or Israel are not political expression; they are incitements to violence, rooted in a history of terror against Jewish civilians. This is an urgent call for the Australian government, and for every country, to do more to safeguard their Jewish communities so that Jews everywhere can live in peace and security. The world should also take note of the bravery of Ahmed El-Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen while sustaining injuries. His actions are a shining example of decency and justice in these troubled times.”
Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area: Tragically, such acts of antisemitic violence are becoming far too common in the U.S. as well: From Pittsburgh, PA, in 2018, to Poway, CA, in 2019, to Colleyville, TX, in 2022, and the two deadly attacks earlier this year in Washington, D.C., and Boulder, CO. We have seen antisemitism seep into our civic institutions – school, universities, government institutions, media and the arts – leading Jews to feel less safe in public spaces and less comfortable expressing their identity publicly. It is critical for our nation’s leaders to counter the dehumanization of Jews and Israelis, and stop the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric in public discourse. Today’s events are another reminder of where this hatred can lead.”
Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California: “This is what happens when antisemitism is minimized, rationalized, or allowed to fester. When hateful words are dismissed as “just speech,” they metastasize into action – as we have seen in recent incidents where high schoolers formed human swastikas on schoolyards, including at Branham High School in San Jose and San Dieguito Academy in Encinitas. And when those actions are not met with urgency and consequence, the message received by extremists is clear: Jewish lives are expendable. The result is deadly. Jews are killed. We have seen this before – in Pittsburgh, Poway, Jersey City, Monsey, Colleyville, Boulder, Washington, D.C., and now in Australia. Different places and perpetrators, but the same hate.”
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Secure Community Network: “All Jewish organizations that are hosting events in the coming days should take these eight steps:
–Ensure awareness and coordination with law enforcement and the Jewish Community Security Initiative and/or security professional servicing your community or region
–Extend the protections or security of your event’s/facility’s perimeter as far as possible
–Only open events to identifiable individuals and pre-screened invitation lists (e.g., no mass emails to the broad public)
–Particularly for events open to the public, require registration and verification of registrants
–Provide details of location, time, and other information only upon confirmed registration
–Have access control (locks and entrance procedures) to only allow known, confirmed registrants/attendees into the facility/event
–Remain vigilant and report suspicious activity
–Add armed on-duty or off-duty law enforcement, private security, and/or volunteer teams as additional layers of protection wherever possible.”
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Rabbi Rafi Andrusier, Chabad of East County: “As the Rebbe once said in the wake of a horrific attack on the Chabad village in Israel: ‘Every blow meant to break us must become a reason to grow stronger, for as they tried to suppress us, so we multiplied and flourished.’ … Tonight, we will gather as a community. Please join us at 3:30 pm at Chabad of East County. Not because we are ignoring the pain, but because we refuse to let fear win. We will stand together – stronger, louder, prouder – and we will bring more light into this world. Please know that your safety is our top priority. We have full professional security on site, working closely with authorities. Everything is in place to ensure a safe and meaningful celebration.”
Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort, Chabad of La Costa: “It is upon all of us to engage in this war against evil. The way we fight darkness is by spreading light. Light and positivity are our ‘secret weapons’. It is with enhanced pride that we will light the Menorah this Chanukah. Each successive night we will increase the illumination. We will light our Menorahs near our doors or windows, specifically so the world will see and share in the benefits of the light! We will not be intimidate, we will , in fact, double down. The answer to darkness is more and more and more light.
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Rabbi Effy Kahn, Chabad of University City: For me, this tragedy is deeply personal. While I now serve our community here in San Diego, Australia is where I grew up. These are the communities that shaped my Jewish identity, my values, and my commitment to our people. To see Jews attacked there while celebrating Chanukah feels painfully close, as though it has struck my own extended family.
Chanukah reminds us that the Jewish people have always faced darkness—and have always responded by choosing light. The Maccabees lit the menorah not because it was safe, but because it was right. Tonight, as Jews across the world light their candles, we do so with heavy hearts, but also with courage and resolve. We will not hide our Judaism. We will not retreat in fear. And we will not allow hatred to extinguish our light.
We urge you to join us tonight at UTC at 6:00 pm as we gather in unity and strength. By standing together, we send a clear message: the candles of Judaism and the Jewish people will shine brighter than ever.
Your safety is our highest priority. There will be extensive security in place, including SDPD uniformed and plainclothes officers, along with UTC’s security team on full alert.”
Rabbi Mendel Katz, Chabad of Chula Vista: “At times like these, we do not sit and mourn alone. We rise and we act. Chanukah is a holiday of light, courage, and confronting darkness. There is something uniquely Jewish about how we respond to moments like this. The more we are attacked, the the more we show up — with pride, unity, and visible Jewish life. Last Chanukah, Rabbi Schlanger posted a social media video captioned “Here’s the best response to combat antisemitism,” dancing from his home to his car topped with a portable light-up Menorah and encouraging others to join him in spreading light. Let’s take his own words to heart. They try to spread fear. We answer with light. They try to silence us. We respond with mitzvot. They try to bring darkness. We fill the world with the light of the Menorah. Please join us at our Community Chanukah Celebration at Otay Ranch Town Center at 4:30 PM.
Rabbi Hanan Leberman and Lisa Berman Hernandez, respectively Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s spiritual leader and congregational president: “The Talmud teaches that to fulfill the mitzvah of Chanukah we ideally light the menorah in a public place, engaging in pirsumei nisa—publicizing the miracles. At the same time, our sages teach with great compassion that in times of danger one is permitted to light the Hanukkah candles privately. If you feel uncomfortable lighting publicly, please know that lighting privately is both valid and meaningful, and there is no cause for guilt. And yet, even as our tradition allows us to retreat when necessary, [we] want to gently encourage us—when we are able—to come together and celebrate Chanukah as a community. There is a unique power that emerges only when we gather. Together, our presence becomes an act of resilience, hope, and faith in the values that bind us as a people.”
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Rabbi Mendel Polichenco, Chabad of Carmel Valley: “Our hearts are broken by the murderous terror attack in Sydney, an attempt to extinguish the 2,200-year-old light of Chanukah. We pray for the souls of the victims, the recovery of the survivors, and for the healing of a community shaken to its core by this act of terror.
Especially this Chanukah, let’s each gift menorahs to our friends who don’t have one and proudly and confidently show up for our people at public menorah lightings. For your peace of mind, we have arranged for police presence and extra security for all Chanukah events [at the Torah Life Center, 12750 Carmel Country Road.]
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Congregation Beth Israel — “Chanukah is about refusing to disappear. It is about choosing light when darkness feels loud. It is about a people who understood that the most radical response to fear is presence – to show up, together, and to keep telling our story. We want to reassure you that we continue to take the safety and security of our community with the utmost seriousness. We are in close coordination with our security partners and local law enforcement, and all appropriate measures are in place for our gatherings this week. Your safety matters deeply to us.”
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World