In the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Sydney, Australian government officials faced sharp criticism from Israeli leaders who attributed the incident to the nation’s failure to address rising antisemitism. The attack claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals and left 29 more injured.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar issued unusually severe statements condemning the Australian authorities. Herzog took to social media, sharing a poignant image of a blood-stained prayer shawl, and emphasized the repeated calls for action that had gone unheeded. “We have consistently urged the Australian government to combat the significant surge of antisemitism afflicting their society,” Herzog declared.
Foreign Minister Saar echoed Herzog’s sentiments with even harsher words, accusing Australian officials of neglecting evident signs of escalating Islamist extremism and antisemitic behavior. “I am horrified by the deadly attack during a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney. This tragedy stems from the unchecked antisemitic aggression witnessed in Australia over the past two years, including provocative chants like ‘Globalize the Intifada,’ which culminated in today’s violence,” Saar stated, also sharing Herzog’s post.
Saar called for immediate governmental action, warning, “The Australian government, having overlooked numerous warning indicators, must urgently awaken to this reality!”
“I am appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia. This is the result of the antisemitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, including the antisemitic and inciting calls of ‘Globalize the Intifada,’ which were realized today,” Saar said in a statement, sharing the same photo as Herzog.
“The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses!” he added.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the shooting in Sydney, Australia on Sunday. (Reuters/Moses Mwape)
Police say at least two gunmen participated in Sunday’s attack, which targeted a Jewish “Chanukah By The Sea” event at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. One of the alleged gunmen was killed in the attack, and the other is hospitalized. Police are investigating whether there may have been a third shooter.
Police say they also found evidence of multiple improvised explosive devices in a vehicle near the scene of the attack.
“We have our rescue bomb disposal unit there at the moment working on that,” said the police commissioner for New South Wales.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Sunday’s attack and the targeting of Jewish Australians.
