The joyous celebration of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach was irrevocably shattered, transformed into a scene of unimaginable horror when gunfire erupted, leaving at least fifteen dead and forty wounded. Among the fallen were two deeply respected rabbis, their lives extinguished in a brutal act of violence.
Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, a senior figure at the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters, voiced a stark condemnation of Australia’s response, or lack thereof, to a growing tide of antisemitism. He described a climate where escalating hateful rhetoric had been allowed to fester, culminating in this devastating, deadly consequence.
The attack, carried out by a father and son, unfolded during a large “Chanukah by the Sea” event. Investigators are now treating the incident as a potential terrorist act, uncovering improvised explosive devices within one of the suspect’s vehicles. The elder assailant was killed at the scene, while his son remains in critical condition.
This tragedy struck a particularly raw nerve for Rabbi Krinsky, who had recently witnessed firsthand the growing unease within the Australian Jewish community during a visit to Melbourne. He recalled a synagogue arson attack and a palpable sense that authorities weren’t adequately addressing the rising tide of antisemitic incitement.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the beach event, was among the first victims identified. He dedicated his life to fostering Jewish community, having moved to Sydney with his wife, Chaya, eighteen years ago to share the beauty of their traditions.
Krinsky spoke of a personal connection to Schlanger, noting their shared educational background and the younger rabbi’s unwavering commitment to serving Jewish communities worldwide. The loss felt particularly acute, a wound that resonated deeply within the global Chabad network.
Alongside Rabbi Schlanger, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan also succumbed to his injuries, adding another layer of grief to an already unbearable loss. The community mourns both men, their memories now a call to action and a source of strength.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the attack an “act of pure evil,” yet Rabbi Krinsky emphasized the need for more than just condemnation. He called for swift and decisive action to eradicate both the acts and the rhetoric that fuel antisemitism.
Despite the darkness, Krinsky affirmed the resilience of the Jewish people, describing a spirit of defiance in the face of adversity. He stated that Chabad communities worldwide are responding by amplifying acts of goodness, strengthening Jewish pride, and spreading even more light in the wake of this tragedy.
The intent of the perpetrators, to extinguish the Hanukkah lights, will ultimately fail. Instead, those lights will burn brighter than ever, not only across Australia but throughout the world, a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.
Chabad Lubavitch Headquarters released a powerful statement, unequivocally condemning the attack as a treacherous act of terror – an assault on goodness and light itself. They vowed to honor the victims by enhancing Jewish practice, pride, and visibility, ensuring their memory serves as a blessing and a beacon of hope.
