Following the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a powerful appeal to Western governments, urging them to take greater responsibility and provide stronger protection for Jewish life.
In a public statement, Netanyahu called on governments in Europe, North America, and Australia to go beyond mere condemnation of antisemitism and take decisive action to combat it and safeguard Jewish communities.
“I demand that Western governments do everything necessary to fight antisemitism and provide Jewish communities around the world with the security they need,” Netanyahu stated. “They must take our warnings seriously. I call on them to act—now.”
אני דורש מממשלות המערב לעשות את מה שנדרש כדי להילחם באנטישמיות ולתת את הביטחון הדרוש ואת האבטחה הדרושה לקהילות היהודיות בעולם. וכדאי שיקשיבו לאזהרות שלנו. אני דורש מהן פעולה – עכשיו.
I demand that Western governments do what is necessary to combat anti-Semitism and provide the… pic.twitter.com/7IvcAADDJE
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 16, 2025
During the Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad community near the popular Bondi Beach, a Muslim father and son opened fire on attendees in the public park. Fifteen people were killed, and dozens more were injured. The surviving son has since been charged with murder, terrorism, and aggravated assault with intent to kill. According to Australian authorities, the perpetrators were ideologically influenced by the terrorist organization ISIS.
See related: “This is what happens when you allow hate speech”
Netanyahu emphasized that antisemitism must not be downplayed or dismissed as a side effect of political conflicts. When Jewish life is attacked, he said, it is not a matter of opinion or protest—it is terrorism and violence.
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