Israel Pressures Australia Over Antisemitism Response After Bondi Attack

Article with URL Citations

Anger simmered at a vigil in Sydney on Monday as officials and community leaders grappled with the aftermath of a deadly antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach. At least 16 people were killed and dozens injured when two gunmen opened fire on the crowd. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as "an act of pure evil" and vowed to take decisive action against antisemitism.

The attack has sparked intense political and diplomatic debate, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Albanese of inaction in curbing rising antisemitism in Australia. Netanyahu claimed he had warned Albanese in a letter in August that supporting Palestinian statehood "pours fuel on the antisemitism fire" and "emboldens those who menace Australian Jews." The accusation came as Albanese convened his national security council to address the crisis.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and other officials condemned the attack, calling for a "strong and clear repudiation of antisemitism in all its forms." Meanwhile, the Australian Jewish community demanded stronger measures to combat hate, including tighter legislation, increased security funding, and a national campaign to address antisemitism in education and public discourse according to reports.

Diplomatic Tensions and Policy Responses

Netanyahu's criticism of Australia's policies has intensified diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The Israeli leader accused Albanese's government of "letting the disease [of antisemitism] spread," and blamed its inaction for enabling the attack. Albanese, however, has defended his government's stance, emphasizing efforts to criminalize hate speech and expand security funding for Jewish community sites.

The Australian government is currently reviewing recommendations from its antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, who called for stricter measures, including better visa screening and increased oversight of universities and media. Segal urged the government to accelerate implementation of her proposals, arguing that "calling it out is not enough" and that a "whole society approach" is necessary to address the issue.

A Global Response to Antisemitism

The attack has drawn international condemnation and solidarity. The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the violence as a "heinous terrorist attack" and reaffirmed the United States' support for the Australian Jewish community. The Palestinian foreign ministry also issued a rare statement condemning the attack, calling it an "abhorrent act of violence."

Across the globe, authorities have heightened security for Jewish events, including in London, Berlin, and New York. In New Zealand, where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed shock and solidarity with the Australian Jewish community, police have increased patrols at places of worship. The government has also fast-tracked visa processing for family members of victims who need to travel for funerals.

Calls for Gun Law Reforms

The attack has reignited debates over Australia's gun laws. The two perpetrators were found to have owned multiple firearms, including a high-powered rifle and a pump-action shotgun. One of the shooters, Ahmed al-Ahmed, was wounded while disarming one of the attackers.

Albanese announced that his government would meet with state leaders to review gun laws, including potential restrictions on the number of firearms an individual can own and the duration of firearm licenses. Opposition leader Sussan Ley supported a "whole-of-government approach," calling for urgent action on both antisemitism and gun reform. "Everything must change from today in how governments respond," she said.

A Community in Mourning

At Bondi Beach, the community gathered in quiet solidarity, leaving flowers, candles, and messages of hope. Survivors described scenes of chaos and terror as the attackers unleashed gunfire on a crowd celebrating one of Judaism's most joyous holidays. A 12-year-old girl and a rabbi were among the victims, a tragedy that has left the Jewish community reeling.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a beloved figure in the local Jewish community, was among those killed. His friend and fellow rabbi described him as "the most caring, genuine, friendly person you could ever come across." The attack has not only deepened the sense of vulnerability among Jewish Australians but also sparked fears about the future of open religious expression in the country.

With tensions high and political pressure mounting, the Australian government now faces a critical test in its response to the crisis. The coming days will likely determine whether it can balance its international obligations with the urgent need to protect its citizens from the rising tide of antisemitism.