On Sunday, a gunman opened fire on a Hanukkah candle‑lighting ceremony at Bondi Beach, killing 11 people and injuring several others. The attack unfolded during the first night of the eight‑day holiday, which began this year on Dec. 14. The victims included Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a key organizer for Chabad of Bondi, and other members of the Jewish community. The incident has been described by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as an act of antisemitic terrorism.
Attack Details
The shooting took place as participants gathered to light a public menorah on the beach. The gunman fired repeatedly from a concealed position, striking individuals in the crowd. Witnesses reported a sudden, chaotic scene as people fled the area. Emergency services responded quickly, treating the wounded and securing the site.
Rising Antisemitism in Australia
According to Uriya Shavit, who leads an annual global antisemitism report from Tel Aviv University, Australia recorded 1,713 antisemitic incidents in 2024. Shavit noted that the country of 28 million people, with about 117,000 Jews, has seen a sharp increase in such attacks. He said, “This was really one of the safest communities for Jews in history, characterized by religious tolerance and coexistence, and now Australian Jews are seriously asking whether they have a future in the country.” Shavit cited a growing legitimization of hatred toward Jews in public discourse and a lack of governmental willingness to address the issue.
Chabad’s Role and Loss
Chabad, an international movement of Orthodox Judaism, has long held public candle‑lighting events on Bondi Beach. The organization, originally based in Brooklyn, focuses on expanding Jewish observance through emissaries worldwide. Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad shluchim, was among those killed. Chabad spokesperson Motti Seligson highlighted the movement’s presence in more than 100 countries and its decades‑long history in Australia.
Government Response
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry released a statement demanding decisive leadership. “The time for talking is over. We need decisive leadership and action now to eradicate the scourge of antisemitism from Australia’s public life, for which the Jewish community has long been advocating. Government’s first duty is to keep its citizens safe,” the council said. Prime Minister Albanese has previously accused Iran of orchestrating antisemitic attacks in Australia and has announced a severing of diplomatic ties with Tehran. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation concluded that Iran directed arson attacks on a kosher food company in Sydney in October 2024 and on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue two months later.
Context of Chabad’s Outreach
Chabad’s outreach strategy relies on shluchim—husband‑and‑wife emissaries who travel to areas with sparse Jewish presence. They are recognizable by traditional attire, including black suits for men and modest head coverings for women. The movement’s global headquarters reside in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the former office and synagogue of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Chabad’s activities during Hanukkah include placing menorahs on car rooftops and hosting large public menorahs.
Historical Attacks on Chabad
Chabad has faced violent attacks worldwide. In 2008, nine people were killed in an assault on a Chabad house in Mumbai, India. In 2019, a shooting outside a Chabad synagogue near San Diego left one person dead and three injured. These incidents underscore the vulnerability of Chabad communities and the broader Jewish population.
Antisemitic Incidents in Major Cities
Sydney and Melbourne, home to 85% of Australia’s Jewish population, have experienced the most severe antisemitic episodes. The high visibility of these attacks has drawn significant public attention. The recent Bondi Beach shooting is the most prominent example, occurring in a public setting and involving a large crowd.
International Perspective
Australia and Italy reported the largest increases in antisemitic attacks in 2024, according to Shavit’s report. Worldwide, the overall number of incidents slightly declined, but the spike in these two nations highlights a concerning trend. The Israeli war in Gaza has been cited as a contributing factor to rising antisemitism in Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Eleven people were killed in a gun attack on a Hanukkah candle‑lighting event at Bondi Beach.
- Australia recorded 1,713 antisemitic incidents in 2024, the highest increase globally.
- Chabad of Bondi’s Rabbi Eli Schlanger was among those killed, emphasizing the movement’s vulnerability.
The tragic event has intensified calls for stronger governmental action to protect the Jewish community in Australia. Prime Minister Albanese’s statement of antisemitic terrorism and the Executive Council’s demand for decisive leadership underscore the urgency of addressing antisemitism. The international community will be watching closely as Australia confronts this surge in hate crimes.
