The recent terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney has drawn a strong response from the Jewish community worldwide. In a powerful address delivered on December 3, 2023, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the violence and emphasized the resilience of Jewish identity. Two assailants targeted members of the Jewish community during a family event celebrating the first night of Chanukah, resulting in at least 15 casualties.
During his appearance on BBC Radio 4’s “Thought for the Day,” Rabbi Mirvis expressed a profound sense of solidarity, declaring, “We are here, we belong, and we will not hide who we are.” He urged for “moral clarity” in the wake of the attack, which he described as a direct assault on the right of Jewish communities to gather freely and safely.
Rabbi Mirvis drew parallels between the current situation and historical events, referencing the defiance of a small group of Jews over 2,150 years ago during the reign of Emperor Antiochus Epiphanes. This historical context provided a poignant backdrop to his message. He shared that Chanukah serves as a time to publicize the “miracle of Jewish survival,” emphasizing the refusal to be intimidated or erased.
“This moment demands more than sympathy; it demands moral clarity,” he stated, highlighting the need for societies to stand firmly against acts of violence and discrimination. In light of the attack, he called on individuals and communities to confront the roots of antisemitism that have permeated public discourse.
The Chief Rabbi’s remarks were particularly personal, as he revealed that his cousin and his wife were among those who experienced the terror first-hand, hiding for 15 minutes under a doughnut stand while gunfire erupted nearby. “Jews have lived with security concerns for as long as I can remember,” he noted, expressing concern over the normalization of risk assessments that accompany public Jewish gatherings.
Rabbi Mirvis concluded his address with a powerful reminder: “Darkness will advance wherever decent people retreat, and light can only be preserved when people are prepared to stand up for it.” His call to action resonates not only within the Jewish community but also among all who value freedom and human dignity.
The Bondi Beach attack serves as a critical juncture, underscoring the urgent need for collective efforts to ensure the safety and dignity of Jewish communities globally. As communities reflect on the message of Chanukah, the call for unity and resilience remains paramount in the face of adversity.
