Statement by the EAJC Regarding the Terrorist Attack in Sydney

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) has received with profound grief and outrage the reports of the heinous terrorist attack that occurred on December 14 during Hanukkah celebrations in Sydney’s Bondi Beach area. Approximately 2,000 people were attending the "Hanukkah by the Sea" event organized by Chabad emissaries.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, share the pain of the Australian Jewish community, and pray for the swift recovery of the injured. The EAJC declares its full solidarity with the Sydney community and stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.

The EAJC has repeatedly warned that condoning antisemitic rhetoric, normalizing hatred, and government inaction inevitably lead to violence and loss of life. Today we witness a devastating outcome: terror has struck where people gathered to light Hanukkah candles and celebrate life.

The EAJC demands that the Australian authorities conduct an immediate, rigorous, and transparent investigation to identify and prosecute all perpetrators and organizers of this attack. The protection of Jewish communities, religious events, and public spaces must be secured immediately and unconditionally.

The EAJC emphasizes that the fight against antisemitism is not a matter of rhetoric, but of human lives. Further delay is unacceptable.

In August 2025, the President of the EAJC publicly commented on the exposure of an Iranian connection to attacks on a synagogue and a restaurant in Australia, stressing that these actions now constitute direct terrorist acts against Jewish communities within third-party nations.

In connection with the horrific terrorist attack in Sydney, the President of the EAJC, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, stated:

“Following October 7, 2023, the world was swept by a new wave of aggressive antisemitism. We have warned repeatedly that unchecked hatred kills. Today, this hatred claimed Jewish lives in Australia. This is the cost of inaction and complacency. Jews must not pay with their lives for political convenience or a reluctance to call evil by its name. We expect decisive action from the authorities. Action now, not after the next tragedy.”