Jewish Dems Devastated by Antisemitic Terror Attack in Australia

WASHINGTON — After at least 11 people were killed in an antisemitic terror attack during a celebration of the first night of Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia, Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), released the following statement:

“As Jews around the world prepare to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, we received a cruel reminder of the incredible danger of rising antisemitism. The antisemitic massacre at Bondi Beach, which claimed the lives of at least eleven people and endangered many more, leaves us devastated and outraged by this senseless act of violence. 

“We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms and stand with the Jewish community of Sydney. Jews should never have to live in fear, in synagogues or public places alike.

“There are no words adequate to describe the depravity of this attack, and Jews around the world are in deep pain during this moment of agony, which also happens to fall on the eve of Hanukkah, when we gather with loved ones to celebrate a story of triumph and light overcoming darkness. The antisemitic attack in Sydney, along with the broader rise in antisemitism since October 7, call on us all to live by our values and live proudly as Jews, while maintaining a principled effort to combat antisemitism worldwide.

“As we stand in support of the Australian Jewish community, we stand together with Jews worldwide – shaken and saddened, but determined to respond to hate with strength and resilience.”

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