UPDATE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has placed direct blame on the Australian government’s “lax policies” for the devastating Bondi Beach terror attack that occurred during a Chanukah celebration on October 15, which left 15 people dead and 49 injured. Speaking with Sydney Jewish leaders, Netanyahu emphasized the urgent need for authorities to take immediate action against terrorism.
In a poignant conversation on Wednesday, Netanyahu reached out to Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, the spiritual leader of Chabad of Bondi, whose son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was among those murdered in the attack. Also on the call was Arsen Ostrovsky, the newly appointed head of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council’s Sydney office, who himself suffered injuries during the assault.
Netanyahu expressed deep condolences to the families affected, stating that these brutal acts are manifestations of the rampant antisemitism that is exacerbated by local authorities’ inaction. His office reiterated that the Australian government must utilize all available measures to eradicate terrorism and restore safety to Jewish communities.
Rabbi Ulman shared that he had stepped out of a memorial event to take Netanyahu’s call. “We had a relatively long conversation. I told him I walked out in the middle of your speech, and he gave me chizuk,” Ulman recounted. He implored Netanyahu not to reward terrorism in light of the recent violence, invoking the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
“Mr. Prime Minister, the worst thing we can do is reward terrorism. If we concede anything to the terrorists as a result of October 7, it will embolden them to act again,” Rabbi Ulman stated.
Ostrovsky took to social media, thanking Netanyahu for his support during this challenging time. “Thank you, Prime Minister Netanyahu, for your words of solidarity with the Australian Jewish community,” he wrote, also expressing gratitude to President Isaac Herzog for his personal outreach following the attack.
President Herzog conveyed his best wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured, including Ostrovsky, highlighting the need for a united front against the scourge of antisemitism.
The Bondi Beach attack, which occurred on a significant day for the Jewish community, has shaken the nation. It claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including Rabbi Schlanger and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda. As the community mourns, the call for decisive action against terrorism grows louder.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Australian government’s response to Netanyahu’s urgent plea for enhanced security measures. The Jewish community in Australia, along with families of the victims, are seeking not only justice but also a restoration of peace and safety in their lives.
This incident underscores the ongoing global challenge of antisemitism and the urgent need for collective action against hate-fueled violence. The world watches closely as the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event.
