A mass shooting at a Jewish community gathering in Bondi, Sydney, has sparked outrage among local Jews, who accuse the Australian government of neglecting rising antisemitism. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, resulted in multiple fatalities, including that of a neighbor of local resident Ahron Eisman. His sentiments reflect a broader concern within the community that warning signs regarding antisemitism have been repeatedly overlooked.
Members of the Jewish community expressed their feelings of betrayal and fear following the incident. “We feel very let down by the Australian government,” said Eisman, 37. He emphasized that community leaders had long predicted a violent incident was imminent. His brother, Chaimy Eisman, criticized the government’s inadequate responses to prior attacks on Jewish institutions, including instances of arson and vandalism, as well as the inflammatory rhetoric associated with protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks.
The tension in the community was palpable as attendees recounted their experiences. One woman, who requested anonymity, described her shock at the targeting of a festive event central to the Jewish tradition. “We were so targeted in that little space, we were like sitting ducks,” she stated, reflecting the vulnerability felt during what should have been a joyous occasion.
Yvonne Haber, a long-time Bondi resident, shared her devastation over the shooting’s impact on a neighborhood that has been a cornerstone of Sydney’s Jewish community since the influx of refugees following World War II. “We’ve been walking around on tenterhooks, as Jews,” said the 62-year-old. “This is our worst nightmare.”
The shooting has drawn attention from government officials as well. Jillian Segal, appointed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism last year, described the mass shooting as the culmination of a “clear pattern” of escalating antisemitic incidents. “What once seemed distant or uncomfortable can no longer be ignored,” she stated, underscoring the urgent need for action.
The Jewish community in Australia, particularly in areas like Bondi, now faces a critical moment. With emotions running high and calls for government accountability growing louder, many are demanding more decisive measures to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of all citizens. The recent events have left a lasting impact, highlighting the deep-seated fears that continue to resonate within this community.
