At least 15 people were killed, and dozens more were wounded at a Chabad Hanukkah celebration on Sunday evening at Bondi Beach. Among the people killed were a Chabad rabbi, a 12-year-old girl, and a Holocaust survivor.
Below are statements from local and national organizations.
American Jewish Committee
We are heartbroken, sickened, horrified, and outraged. At least 11 people, including children, were murdered in cold blood in an antisemitic attack by two terrorists at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where a Hanukkah celebration was taking place on Sunday. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for the full and swift recovery of those who were wounded.
We stand in firm and unwavering solidarity with the Australian Jewish community. This massacre comes after repeated warnings, including from the Australian Jewish community itself. When AJC’s Asia Pacific Institute, led by AJC CEO Ted Deutch, visited Australia in September, we echoed those warnings: allowing antisemitic rhetoric and demonstrations to go unchecked can—and does—lead to violence and death.
At that time, Australia’s Jewish community had already endured fire bombings, graffiti, physical attacks, and threats. The community’s warnings have now become a devastating reality.
Chabad Young Jewish Professionals
The global Jewish community was deeply saddened by the recent terror attack at a Chanukah event hosted by Chabad of Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, in which innocent lives were taken, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, of blessed memory. While geographically distant, the tragedy is felt close to home, reminding us of both the fragility and resilience of Jewish life worldwide.
Chanukah is the story of light refusing to be extinguished. At its core, it is not a response to hatred, but a declaration of identity — a quiet, steadfast commitment to Jewish faith, values, and continuity. Throughout history, public menorah lightings have symbolized that Jewish life belongs not only in private spaces, but proudly in the public square.
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, taught that the unique power of the Chanukah menorah lies in lighting it publicly, illuminating shared spaces with confidence, dignity, and warmth. Especially at times when public expressions of Jewish life are challenged or discouraged, the simple act of lighting the menorah becomes an affirmation of presence and pride.
This year’s lighting marks a historic milestone: the first-ever public menorah lighting in Hyde Park Square. It represents an opportunity for Jews of the Cincinnati area — young professionals, families, and community members of all ages — to come together in unity and connection, celebrating Chanukah openly and proudly.
“At moments when some seek to dim or silence Jewish expression, we respond by lighting another flame,” said Rabbi Levik Gourarie. “Not in defiance, but in confidence — because Jewish light has always endured.”
Jewish Federations of North America
Jewish Federations are horrified by the antisemitic terrorist shooting in Australia.
This was a deliberate terrorist act targeting the Jewish community in Sydney as they celebrated the first night of Chanukah and must be loudly and clearly called out as antisemitism.
The security of the Jewish community is the top priority of Jewish Federations across North America. All Federations and their community security initiatives are on full alert for the Chanukah celebrations in their communities, working with all our law enforcement partners.
We mourn those killed in this horrific shooting, send our comforts to their families, and wish a speedy and full recovery to the injured.
Our community will never retreat in the face of hatred, and will never refrain from carrying on our Jewish traditions. Rather, we will use every tool at our disposal to make sure our communities are safe and that our lights burn all the brighter.
The Ohio Jewish Caucus
The Ohio Jewish Caucus today released the following statement mourning the 15 lives lost and more than 40 injured following a targeted shooting at Sydney, Australia’s Bondi Beach on the first night of Hanukkah. The shooting took place as over 1K people convened at Bondi Beach for a Hanukkah celebration, and it is Australia’s largest mass casualty event in nearly 30 years. A bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, disarmed one of the two assailants and sustained minor injuries, likely saving lives.
“As Jewish families around the world came together to light the first candle of Hanukkah, an unspeakable act of hate took 15 lives during a celebration in Sydney, Australia. While Hanukkah celebrates the resilience of the Jewish people, we are once again reminded of the increase in antisemitism which places Jewish lives at risk,” said the Ohio Jewish Caucus. “We mourn for the lives lost to this senseless violence, yet we continue to celebrate Hanukkah with our loved ones as an act of tradition, remembrance, and community. In a time of darkness, the Hanukkah celebration is an ancient reminder to always seek out the light.”
Rep. Greg Landsman
The terrorist attack on Jews in Australia celebrating the first night of Hanukkah was horrific. I’m praying for the victims, families, and the entire community.
For context, there are around 100,000 Jews in Australia. The recent rise of antisemitism has gotten so bad that many feel like they may have to leave Australia.
Since October 7th, there have been more than 1,500 reported incidents against Jews in Australia, including arson attacks on Jewish synagogues, childcare facilities, and small businesses. This is how the Holocaust started. The Nazis vandalized and destroyed Jewish spaces.
That was the start.
Almost all of the 15.8 million Jews in the world (fewer Jews in the world than Americans on the ACA, just for perspective) live in two places – here and Israel. No one else wants us.
*Jews represent only 0.2 percent of the world’s population, which someone on X reminded me of when they wrote, in a much used Antisemitic trope, that the concentration of wealth and power was a specific number, “0.2 percent.”
If Jews in Australia have to leave, some may be able to get here. Some. But, like Jews that have had to leave every other country they were living in, Israel is the only place that will take all of them.
In the end, Jews have one place they can go. Israel, which is surrounded by terrorist armies that want to destroy it.
I have enormous empathy for all people, especially those who have been marginalized and left out.
I have empathy for everyone hurt in Australia. The same is true for those killed and hurt at Brown University.
The same is true for all victims of hate and violence. My empathy extends to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. My empathy extends to those suffering in the Sudan, the Congo, Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan. Everywhere.
My empathy just also includes Jews.
Praying for peace today.
SAFE Cincinnati
SAFE Cincinnati is the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s community security initiative. We work year-round with synagogues, schools, and Jewish organizations across Greater Cincinnati to support safety planning and coordination.
For all community events, including Hanukkah celebrations and other community gatherings, SAFE Cincinnati supports advance planning and coordination and maintains close communication with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Based on the needs of each event, SAFE Cincinnati may also provide on-site support. We don’t share specific security details publicly, but safety planning is consistent and active across our community every day.
SAFE Cincinnati encourages attendees to stay aware of their surroundings, trust their instincts, and report anything concerning to event staff or law enforcement.
We also understand why some community members may feel hesitant right now. Those feelings are real. Hanukkah is about choosing to be seen, and we’re committed to supporting Jewish gatherings so families can participate in ways that feel safe and right for them.
