The Interfaith Center of New York is horrified by the antisemitic attack that left at least 15 people dead in Sydney, Australia, as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. We mourn those murdered at Bondi Beach, extend our condolences to the families, friends, and community members of the victims, and wish a full and speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.
As our Jewish neighbors celebrate a “freilichen Hanukkah” – a joyous Hanukkah – their joy is clouded by grief, and by a growing sense of alarm at the threat of antisemitic violence worldwide. As New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani noted in his own statement condemning the atrocity in Sydney:
This attack is merely the latest, most horrifying iteration in a growing pattern of violence targeted at Jewish people across the world. Too many no longer feel safe to be themselves, to express their faith publicly, to worship in their synagogues without armed security stationed outside. What happened at Bondi is what many Jewish people fear will happen in their communities too.
ICNY has worked since 1997 to overcome prejudice, violence, and misunderstanding by activating the power of New York City’s religious and civic leaders and their communities, but the dramatic recent rise in antisemitism and other forms of bigotry reminds us of the work still be done. In this dark time, the resilient light of our Jewish neighbors’ Hanukkah menorahs strengthens our commitment to build a just and inclusive city for New Yorkers of all faiths and none.
