Israeli officials have sharply criticized the Australian government following a deadly shooting at a Jewish event in Sydney on December 10, 2023. The attack, which occurred at the “Chanukah By The Sea” celebration at Bondi Beach, resulted in at least 11 fatalities and injured 29 others. In the aftermath, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Australia of neglecting to address rising antisemitism, which he links to its stance on Palestinian statehood.
During a government meeting, Netanyahu recited a letter he sent earlier this year to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, condemning Albanese’s support for a Palestinian state. He stated, “Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire… Antisemitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent; it retreats when leaders act.” Netanyahu asserted that the Australian government failed to take necessary actions to combat antisemitism, leading to the tragic outcomes witnessed in Sydney.
The sentiments were echoed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who also issued strong statements following the shooting. Herzog expressed frustration, stating, “Time and again we called on the Australian government to take action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism that is plaguing Australian society.” He shared a poignant image of a prayer shawl stained with blood on social media.
Saar’s comments were particularly scathing. He condemned the attack as a direct result of escalating antisemitic sentiments in Australia. “I am appalled by the murderous shooting attack… This is the result of the antisemitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years,” he noted. His statement included references to inciting calls that have been prevalent in Australian society.
Authorities reported that at least two gunmen were involved in the attack, with one suspect killed and the other hospitalized. Investigations by local police are ongoing, including whether a third shooter was involved. Police also discovered multiple improvised explosive devices in a vehicle near the scene, prompting the deployment of a bomb disposal unit.
Prime Minister Albanese condemned the shooting and the targeting of Jewish Australians, emphasizing the need for unity against hate crimes. He stated, “Violence against any community has no place in Australia,” reaffirming the country’s commitment to protecting its diverse communities.
This incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised urgent questions about the rise of antisemitism in Australia and the responsibilities of government leaders to address it effectively. As investigations continue, the global community watches closely, reflecting on the implications for safety and tolerance in multicultural societies.
