A Shooting in Sydney, and a World of Change

A shooting attack in Sydney, Australia, and subsequent events have led to reported changes in security perceptions, community identity, and internal discourse within Jewish communities in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

The Bondi Beach Attack

On Sunday, an attack occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Multiple sources report the following facts regarding this event:

• Casualties: The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 or 16 individuals, with sources varying on the exact number. Among the deceased were a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor. Two police officers were among approximately 40 people who sustained injuries.
• Perpetrator(s): Some sources report the attack was carried out by a single shooter; others state two individuals opened fire. The perpetrator(s) have not been identified in the provided articles.
• Timing: The incident occurred during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah in December 2024 or 2025, with sources differing on the specific year. It was described as a terror attack by some reports.
• Context: The attack took place during a public Hanukkah celebration.

"The attack took place during a public Hanukkah celebration."

Community Response in Australia

Following the attack, the Australian Jewish community has reported a persistent sense of sadness and heightened concern for safety. Members report that the trauma from the attack is expected to be long-lasting.

Since October 7, 2023, members of the community report a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents, including the targeting of Jewish institutions, harassment of students, firebombings of synagogues, and physical assaults. The Australian government's response has been described by some community members as reactive.

Security measures for Jewish institutions in Australia have increased, including the use of bodyguards at schools, air-locking doors at synagogues, and heightened security for cultural events. Some community members report reconsidering attire, locations, and public identification as Jewish due to safety concerns.

The community observed the six-month anniversary of the shooting with initiatives focused on healing and positive action, according to Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. These initiatives include the One Mitzvah campaign and an art piece created by Nina Sanadze from memorial flowers. Nikki Goldstein completed a book co-written with the late Rabbi Eli Schlanger. NSW Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper noted the community comforted others despite their own grief. Ryvchin stated the community has not experienced an exodus but rather a surge of love and hope.

"The community has not experienced an exodus but rather a surge of love and hope." — Alex Ryvchin

Sheina Gutnick, whose father Reuven Morrison was killed in the attack, was appointed as the Combat Antisemitism Movement's Public Affairs Advocate for Australia. She reported receiving thousands of comments on a single social media post, many containing antisemitic language, including one message expressing regret she was not also killed. She testified before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Gutnick attributes the hostility to social media's lack of checks on hateful behavior.

Jessica Rozen, a Sydney resident present at the attack, stated she acted to protect a young girl during the incident. She reported being more cautious, perceiving herself as a target for being openly Jewish, and feeling apprehensive about attending Jewish events. Rozen stated that while antisemitism may not be eliminated, an environment where it is not tolerated can be established.

Ronni Kahn, an Australian social entrepreneur and founder of a major charity who was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019, reported experiencing a change in her perception of antisemitism following October 7, 2023, citing an increased feeling of insecurity. She stated she had not directly experienced antisemitism prior to this period.

Impact on the British Jewish Community

The British Jewish community has experienced notable changes over the past two years, attributed by Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, to the October 7 attacks, subsequent events in Gaza, and an increase in antisemitism.

Antisemitism and Security

• The Home Office reported that hate crimes targeting Jewish people in England and Wales increased from 1,543 in the year to March 2023 to 3,282 by March 2024.
• The Community Security Trust reported that antisemitic incidents over the past two years are the highest since their records began.

Ben Dory, a London resident, reported increased involvement in the Jewish community and anti-antisemitism campaigning. He noted that some individuals conceal religious identifiers, such as a kippah, when in public due to safety concerns. Dory stated that Jewish gatherings, even non-political ones, no longer feel consistently safe.

Dame Louise Ellman, a former MP and joint independent chair of the Board of Deputies, stated a feeling of increased vulnerability within the Jewish community.

Evolving Views on Israel

Data from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR), published in October, indicates a generational gap in views on Israel among British Jews. The study of 4,822 individuals over 16 found that 64% identified as "Zionist" overall, but this figure dropped to 47% among the 20-30 age group. In the same younger demographic, 20% identified as "non Zionist" and 24% as "anti-Zionist." The proportion of anti-Zionists has increased across all age groups since 2022, with the gap between older and younger generations widening.

Tash Hyman, a 33-year-old theatre director, reported a strengthened connection to her Jewish identity but a decreased sense of safety due to actions attributed to the state of Israel in Gaza. She stated that these actions contribute to her feeling less secure in the UK.

Robert Cohen, a PhD student at King's College London, researched British Jews critical of Israel's actions in Gaza. His findings suggest that for some young people, their stance results from a combination of "British Jewish ethics" concerning justice and charity and "Gen Z sensibilities" characterized by authenticity and inclusivity.

An internal discussion occurred within the Board of Deputies of British Jews when 36 Board members signed an open letter expressing concern about "this most extremist of Israeli governments" and its approach to hostage release. Five members were subsequently suspended by the Board's Constitution Committee, which concluded they had violated a code of conduct by creating a "misleading impression" that the letter was an official Board document.

Personal and Social Impact

Lavona Zarum, a student and former president of the Jewish Society at the University of Aberdeen, stated experiencing social isolation following the October 7 attacks. She recalled difficulty in discussing her perspectives with non-Jewish students and observed a perceived increase in antisemitism. She has since sought connections with individuals who demonstrate mutual respect despite differing opinions.

Perspectives in Israel

In Tel Aviv, Israel, a public menorah lighting ceremony at Habima Square was conducted by Rabbi Shaul Reizes of the Orthodox Jewish Chabad movement. This year marked the first instance of large-scale public Hanukkah activities in Tel Aviv since the COVID-19 pandemic and the events of October 7, 2023. Residents, including Alice Eldar, expressed appreciation for the return of public ceremonies and the availability of traditional holiday items.

"We will not be deterred from our mission to bring more lights to the world." — Rabbi Shaul Reizes

A vigil was held at Tel Aviv's Frishman Beach to commemorate the victims of the Sydney attack. Attendees lit memorial candles arranged in the shape of a Star of David and performed a prayer.

Some Jewish individuals in Israel expressed a greater sense of security within a country where Judaism is the majority faith, a perspective that sometimes contrasts with the absence of armed security at certain Israeli religious sites. Raz Kahlon, 28, stated that the incident altered his previous aspiration to visit Sydney for its beach culture.

Ben Freeman, an Australian who relocated to Israel, stated he experienced antisemitism in Australia and that a rise in threats and violence against Jewish individuals and institutions contributed to his decision to move. Freeman attributed responsibility for the rise in antisemitism to the Australian government's response to the October 7, 2023, events. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Australia's government "did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism" and that its decision to recognize a Palestinian state "pours fuel on the antisemitic fire."

Eli Parkes, who moved to Israel a decade ago, stated that many Australian Jews are descendants of Holocaust survivors who sought refuge from antisemitism. Parkes noted that recent years have demonstrated that the perception of complete escape from antisemitism "isn't quite true."