Israeli Officials Criticize Australian Government for Ignoring Antisemitism Before Deadly Sydney Attack
SYDNEY, Australia — In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives and injured dozens, Israeli officials have sharply criticized the Australian government for its perceived inaction amid rising antisemitism in the country. Israeli Knesset member Pnina Tamano-Shata condemned Australian authorities for failing to address the growing threat, saying the government had “reports of rising antisemitism for months, but they did nothing.”
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Tamano-Shata emphasized that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials witnessed the surge in antisemitic and anti-Israeli sentiment “right in front of their eyes” in recent months. “When governments around the world, and especially in Australia, don’t do something that they can do before something like this happens, they are giving in many ways a green light to antisemites and terrorists to hurt and to kill Jews,” she said.
The attack, which targeted a Hanukkah event on Sunday, has spotlighted a troubling pattern of antisemitic incidents in Australia. Tamano-Shata pointed to previous violent acts including the burning of a synagogue and attacks on Israeli establishments, underscoring that these warnings were overlooked. Dionne Taylor, communications manager for the Australia/Israel Jewish Affairs Council, echoed these concerns, lamenting that the government had been “completely let down” despite repeated warnings. “We warned them that this snowball effect was going to happen, and it was only a matter of time before someone got killed,” Taylor said.
She traced the escalation from hate speech and graffiti to public demonstrations, firebombing of synagogues, preschools, homes, and vehicles, culminating in Sunday’s deadly shooting. The attack has prompted calls for increased security measures for Jewish communities, with experts urging authorities to bolster police presence to prevent further violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also weighed in, referencing a letter he sent to Albanese earlier in the year. Netanyahu criticized the Australian leader’s public support for a Palestinian state, arguing that such stances “pour fuel on the antisemitic fire,” emboldening extremists and endangering Australian Jews. The U.S. Department of State similarly monitors rising global antisemitism and has highlighted the importance of governmental responses to hate crimes.
Australian officials have faced intense scrutiny as this attack is now considered one of the deadliest terror incidents in the nation’s history. Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting, and investigations are ongoing. The Australian Federal Police have pledged to increase efforts to combat hate crimes and terrorism.
The tragedy at Bondi Beach has reignited debates about the responsibilities of governments to confront hate speech and protect vulnerable communities before violence erupts. As the Jewish community mourns, leaders both in Australia and abroad are demanding accountability and urgent action to prevent future attacks.
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