Europe Asia News

Israeli Defense Minister Katz expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack in Australia that targeted the Jewish community and Chabad representatives on the evening when the first candle of Hanukkah was lit.

Katz stated that the State of Israel will continue, wherever in the world, to stand by Jewish communities, support them, and fight decisively against antisemitism and terrorism at all times and everywhere.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that contact was made with David Ossip, one of the leading representatives of the Jewish community in Sydney, who was addressing the event at the time of the attack, and stated:

“Through him, messages of solidarity, support, and wishes for recovery were conveyed, on behalf of our people, to the Jewish community in Sydney, which hosts one of the world’s most established and respected Jewish communities.”

Herzog added: “Australian authorities have been warned many times before about the need to combat the growing and unacceptable antisemitism in the country with determination and to eradicate this threat at its roots. Failure to take timely and effective measures against such rhetoric and actions seriously endangers social peace and the security of innocent civilians.”