(Brussels, 14 December 2025) – The European Jewish Congress is appalled and shocked by the shooting attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia, which left many dead and others severely wounded, and calls out the inaction of the government that has allowed hatred to go unpunished.
Australia has long been thought to be a safe haven for Jews from around the world. Since 7 October 2023, however, constant attacks against synagogues and Jews, along with daily demonstrations glorifying terrorism and murder, have created a climate of violence and fear.
Responding to the news of the attack, EJC President Dr Moshe Kantor said:
“It is unconscionable that Jewish families gathering to celebrate a joyous event in one of the most multicultural cities in the world should be slaughtered in cold blood by terrorists. Sadly, this is becoming an all too common experience for Jews around the world, and one that we too feel here in Europe.”
Dr Kantor stressed that governments, including that of Australia, must do more to guarantee the safety of their Jewish communities:
“Western democracies, including Australia, which should be the safest places for Jews, have today become some of the most unsafe. These governments must be more proactive in eliminating threats to daily Jewish life.”
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured.
We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia and call on the authorities to act decisively to bring those responsible to justice.
