Global Response Urged After Sydney Tragedy
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has issued a powerful appeal for international cooperation in combating anti-Semitism, speaking exactly one week after a violent incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney resulted in multiple fatalities.
During a memorial gathering in Jerusalem honoring the Australian victims, Herzog declared that "the rise of Jew hatred across the world is a global emergency." The ceremony included a live connection to a simultaneous event in Sydney attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Details of the Attack
The violence occurred during a Hanukkah celebration on the famous Australian beach, where two assailants—a father and son—opened fire on participants. Police responded immediately, fatally shooting the father and seriously injuring the son, who remains hospitalized with critical wounds.
Herzog emphasized the urgent need for action, stating: "This is an urgent call to action to prevent the next catastrophe. We will not stand for this." He called upon nations to implement "very strong and tough measures" and demonstrate "strong leadership" in addressing this growing threat.
Solidarity With Australian Jewish Community
Addressing the Jewish community in Australia directly, Herzog expressed solidarity: "I want to say to the Jews of Australia, the people of Israel are with you." He added his intention to visit Australian Jewish communities in the near future.
The Israeli president acknowledged the geographical distance between the nations but emphasized emotional connection: "Despite thousands of miles being apart, we feel your pain, we see your courage under fire, we share your sense of abandonment, shock, and horror."
The Jerusalem ceremony included a moment of silence before Herzog's address, followed by a candle-lighting ritual. Herzog concluded with a message of resilience: "We will not allow the hatred to break us. We will not allow terror to diminish our light, our unity, our peoplehood, our mutual responsibility, our eternity. Together we will defeat this darkness."
