Herzog condemns ‘cruel’ shooting attack by ‘vile terrorists’ targeting Sydney Jewish community

Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.

President Isaac Herzog meets with Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, December 6, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
President Isaac Herzog meets with Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, December 6, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

President Isaac Herzog condemns the “cruel” shooting attack on a group of Jews at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration event, calling on Canberra to fight against “the enormous wave of antisemitism” that he says “is plaguing Australian society.”

“Our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah,” Herzog says, speaking at an event at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

“We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society,” he adds.

“Our hearts go out to them…we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them, and we pray for those who lost their lives,” he says.

Reports say the attack was at a Chabad event for families, and there are multiple casualties.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.