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At a Chabad event attended by thousands at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, terrorists opened fire on the crowd, killing at least 11 and injuring dozens. Chabad emissary Rabbi Eli Schlanger, based in Sydney, was among those murdered in the attack.
By Shula Rosen
Israeli leaders accused Australia of failing to confront rising antisemitism after a deadly shooting at a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, saying warnings about potential attacks on Jewish communities had gone unheeded.
At the Chabad event Sunday evening, attended by thousands, terrorists — still unidentified — opened fire on the crowds, killing at least 11 and injuring dozens. Chabad emissary Rabbi Eli Schlanger, based in Sydney, was among those murdered in the attack.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he was “appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Chanukah event in Sydney, Australia,” linking the violence to what he described as unchecked antisemitic incitement in the country.
“These are the results of the antisemitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the antisemitic and inciting calls of ‘Globalise the Intifada’ that were realized today,” Sa’ar wrote in English on social media. “The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses.”
Sa’ar’s office said he also spoke with David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, to express solidarity with the local Jewish community “during this difficult time.” The shooting occurred as members of the community were participating in a public Chanukah celebration, though authorities have not confirmed whether the event was the specific target of the attack.
Failed and weak leadership on antisemitism led to Bondi.
Am Yisrael Chai. pic.twitter.com/GXyyj1f2hH
— Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) December 14, 2025
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett placed blame squarely on Australian leadership, writing: “Failed and weak leadership on antisemitism led to Bondi.”
In a separate statement, Bennett said, “The writing was on the wall and the government turned a blind eye to it. I demand that the Australian government take immediate action to protect Jewish communities and deal with antisemitism with the utmost seriousness.”
Opposition leader Benny Gantz echoed those accusations, warning that rhetoric aimed at Israel often translates into violence against Jews abroad. “What starts with genocidal cries for the destruction of Israel, unsurprisingly ends with arson attacks on Synagogues and murderous terror shootings against Jews at a Chanukah event,” he wrote, adding that “the writing was on the wall – and despite repeated warnings, the Australian authorities missed it once again.” Gantz urged Canberra to adopt “unprecedented measures to secure and protect their Jewish communities.”
Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer said that during a recent visit to Australia he personally witnessed “severe and troubling antisemitism, without an adequate response from the Australian government.”
His party colleague, MK Ohad Tal, wrote: “When you support terror in the Middle East, you get terror in your backyard. The massacre of Jews in Sydney is not fate; it’s the result of antisemitism that is allowed to grow unchecked.
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