The Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom has issued a strong message of resilience and identity for Jewish communities worldwide following the terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney. This incident occurred on December 10, 2023, when two assailants opened fire on attendees at a family gathering celebrating the first night of Chanukah, resulting in at least 15 fatalities.
In a poignant address on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis emphasized the enduring spirit of Jewish identity. He stated, “We are here, we belong, and we will not hide who we are.” His remarks came just one day after the attack, which targeted Jews participating in the “Chanukah by the Sea” event.
Mirvis called for “moral clarity” in the wake of the violence, asserting that the right for Jewish communities to gather safely and publicly is a fundamental issue that extends beyond the Jewish population. “This moment demands more than sympathy; it demands moral clarity,” he said, highlighting the broader implications of such attacks on societal values.
Historical Context and Community Impact
The Chief Rabbi drew a parallel between the current situation and the historical struggle of Jews against oppression, referencing the Chanukah story. He spoke about “Pirsumei Nisa,” the obligation to publicize the miracles of Jewish survival and resilience. Mirvis noted that the defiance shown by a small group of Jews 2,150 years ago against Emperor Antiochus Epiphanes serves as an inspiration today.
In sharing personal anecdotes, Mirvis revealed the immediate impact of the attack on his family. His cousin and his wife spent a harrowing 15 minutes hiding from the gunfire. “Jews have lived with security concerns for as long as I can remember, but the fact that today every public Jewish gathering must be weighed for risk is a sign of something deeply wrong,” he stated.
The Chief Rabbi’s remarks resonate deeply within the Jewish community, especially following a year marked by rising antisemitism globally. He urged listeners to address not only the symptoms of this growing issue but also its underlying causes. “We must stand together against the normalized rhetoric that demonizes Jews and the only Jewish state,” he insisted.
Call to Action
Concluding his address, Mirvis delivered a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance against hatred. He said, “Both the story of Chanukah and yesterday’s attack are a sober reminder that darkness will advance wherever decent people retreat, and that light can only be preserved when people are prepared to stand up for it.”
The Chief Rabbi’s defiant message seeks to galvanize solidarity within the Jewish community and encourage a broader societal commitment to combating antisemitism. His call for unity emphasizes that the fight against hatred is a collective responsibility, essential for the moral health of society.
As the world reflects on this tragic event, Rabbi Mirvis’ words serve as a rallying cry for resilience and pride in Jewish identity, underscoring the importance of community safety and the right to gather freely.
