Former Hamas Hostage Warned Australian Leaders of Rising Antisemitism Months Before Bondi Beach Attack
SYDNEY, Australia — Months before the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach that claimed at least 15 lives, former Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi warned Australian leaders about the growing threat of antisemitism in the country. Sharabi, who endured 491 days in captivity after being taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, massacre at Kibbutz Be’eri, met with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong in June 2025. During these meetings, he urged them to speak out forcefully against antisemitism, cautioning that failure to do so could lead to violent hate crimes.
“When it happens, a hate crime here, it will be your responsibility, because you have to have a stronger voice against antisemitism,” Sharabi told the officials, according to an interview with Fox News Digital. Reflecting on the tragic events at Bondi Beach, Sharabi called the attack “crazy” but emphasized it was not unforeseeable. “Suddenly you feel like it’s the 1940s again, and we are in 2025, 90 years later, all these things are happening again,” he said.
The Bondi Beach shooting, which occurred during a Hanukkah event in December 2025, shocked the nation and reignited concerns about antisemitic violence in Australia. The attack left dozens wounded and deeply affected the Jewish community. Sharabi’s warnings, made months earlier, highlighted the urgency of addressing antisemitism before it escalated further.
A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed appreciation for Sharabi’s insights, stating that Wong “has consistently condemned antisemitism and antisemitic attacks.” The spokesperson also outlined steps the government is taking in response to the Bondi Beach tragedy, including strengthening laws against hate speech and online abuse, enhancing educational programs to combat antisemitism, and lowering the threshold for canceling visas of individuals who spread antisemitic views. These measures align with broader efforts by Australian authorities to curb hate crimes and promote social cohesion.
Sharabi’s harrowing experience as a hostage, combined with the personal loss of his wife and two daughters during the Hamas massacre, lends profound weight to his warnings. Released on February 8, 2025, after more than a year in captivity, Sharabi has since become an advocate for vigilance against antisemitism and extremism. His calls to action underscore the importance of proactive leadership in preventing hate-fueled violence.
The Australian government’s response to the Bondi Beach attack has involved collaboration with law enforcement agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, who have detained suspects and are investigating the motives behind the shooting. Additionally, the government is reviewing policies related to hate speech regulation and community safety, as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs. Experts emphasize that combating antisemitism requires not only legal measures but also education and public awareness initiatives.
Sharabi’s encounter with Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Foreign Minister Wong serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring early warnings about hate crimes. The Deputy Prime Minister’s office has acknowledged the meeting and reiterated the government’s commitment to combating all forms of discrimination and violence.
As Australia mourns the victims of the Bondi Beach attack and seeks to heal, Sharabi’s message resonates: vigilance and decisive action against antisemitism are essential to prevent future tragedies. His experience, both as a survivor of Hamas captivity and a witness to rising hate in Australia, highlights the global challenge of confronting antisemitism in the 21st century.
For more information on Australia’s efforts to address hate crimes and antisemitism, visit the Attorney-General’s Department and the Australian Human Rights Commission. These agencies provide resources and policy updates aimed at fostering a safer and more inclusive society.
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