In the wake of the devastating Bondi Beach shooting, a car adorned with a Hanukkah celebration sign has been deliberately set ablaze in Melbourne. This unsettling incident has amplified fears within the Jewish community, with leaders strongly condemning the act as a manifestation of rising antisemitism. They are raising urgent alarms about the safety of Jewish residents in Australia.
Leaders of the Australian Jewish Association have stated that antisemitism has seen a significant surge over the past two years. They contend that this increase is a direct result of governmental inaction and, in some cases, incitement. The group highlighted the fire-bombing of the car in Melbourne as an illustration of an unchecked antisemitism crisis.
The Bondi Beach shooting on December 14th remains a raw wound, having claimed the lives of 15 people and injured over 38. The perpetrators, a father and son, were responsible for what authorities have termed the most severe mass shooting in Australia since 1996, following alleged firearms practice sessions. Reflecting on the acts of heroism during this tragedy, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the forthcoming creation of a national bravery award. This award aims to posthumously honor and recognize the extraordinary courage of civilians and emergency personnel who acted bravely to protect others during the deadly antisemitic terror attack.