Rockland County officials, elected leaders, and Jewish organizations are expressing shock and outrage following a horrific antisemitic terror attack in Australia that targeted a Chanukah celebration, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens injured.
As first reported by our partner outlet, Yeshiva World News, terrorists opened fire at a Chanukah event in the Bondi Beach area of Sydney, Australia, during celebrations marking the first night of the holiday. Among those murdered was Rabbi Eli Schlanger Hy”D, a local Chabad shaliach and one of the organizers of the event.
In a statement released Sunday, Rockland County Executive Ed Day condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it “horrifying and heart-wrenching.”
“I am horrified and heartbroken by the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, which targeted members of the Jewish community as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hannukah,” Day said. “Hate has no home — not in Australia; not here in Rockland County; not anywhere in the world. An attack on one is an attack on all.”
Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht and Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman also issued a joint statement condemning the attack and outlining enhanced local security measures.
“We are horrified and angered by the antisemitic mass shooting attack on Jews celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach, Australia,” Specht and Hyman said. “At least 11 innocent people were murdered, including a child and a Chabad rabbi. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community in Australia and beyond.”
The officials emphasized that law enforcement in Ramapo is taking proactive steps to protect local holiday celebrations.
“While we already had strengthened patrols in place for the Chanukah holiday, we are further elevating our readiness and community presence to ensure that people gathering to observe and celebrate the holiday will be safe.”
Congressman Mike Lawler also issued a statement condemning the violence and warning of the global rise in antisemitism.
“The terrorist attack in Bondi, Australia targeting a Chanukah celebration is infuriating and sickening,” Lawler said. “The rise of antisemitism across the globe is alarming and must be combated in every way possible. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this horrific tragedy.”
New York State Senator Bill Weber referenced both the Sydney attack and other recent acts of violence, emphasizing the danger of escalating hateful rhetoric.
“These tragedies are a stark reminder that hateful and reckless words can fuel real-world violence,” Weber said. “Each of us has a role to play in lowering the temperature, and social media platforms must also do their part to curb the spread of hate and incitement.”
Jewish organizations echoed those sentiments, including Agudath Israel of America, which released a statement mourning the victims and calling for increased protection of Jewish communities worldwide.
“Agudath Israel of America is heartbroken and horrified by the deadly antisemitic terror attack in Sydney,” the organization said. “This heinous crime underscores the urgent need for governments and law enforcement worldwide to take stronger action to protect Jewish communities.”
Agudath Israel also highlighted the murder of Rabbi Eli Schlanger Hy”D, noting that his final public message encouraged Jews to respond to antisemitism with pride and faith. “In the face of hate,” Rabbi Schlanger wrote, “we should be more Jewish, act more Jewish and appear more Jewish.”
The organization Kol Yisroel issued a statement urging unity and resilience as Chanukah begins.
“As we enter a festival that symbolizes light in the face of darkness, we urge Jewish communities to stand tall and proud,” the statement read. “We must respond to hatred not with fear, but with strength, unity, and light.”
The Rockland County Legislature also released a unified statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.
“On the first night of Hanukkah — a time meant for light, remembrance, and hope — Jewish lives were taken in an act of brutal hatred,” the statement read. “We mourn those lost and hold their families and communities in our hearts. We pray for all who have been impacted — physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
The legislators strongly condemned antisemitism and emphasized its broader threat to society.
“Such hate harms not only the Jewish people, but all people, threatening the values of dignity, safety, and humanity that we all share,” the statement continued. “The Legislature joins our Jewish and non-Jewish neighbors across Rockland in confronting hate and honoring the light that must never be extinguished.”
The statement also thanked local law enforcement for increased security efforts in the wake of the attack.
“We thank Sheriff Falco and our partners in law enforcement for their additional vigilance in the coming days and weeks, to keep all our communities safe and able to celebrate without fear.”
The statement was issued jointly by Rockland County Legislators Paul Cleary, Beth J. Davidson, Thomas F. Diviny, Toney L. Earl, Joel Friedman, Lon M. Hofstein, Jay Hood Jr., Moshe Hopstein, Douglas J. Jobson, Will J. Kennelly, Jesse M. Malowitz, Aney Paul, Raymond W. Sheridan, Philip Soskin, Dana G. Stilley, Alden H. Wolfe, and Itamar J. Yeger.
Community leaders across Rockland County say the attack has sent shockwaves through the local Jewish community and serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing threat of antisemitism worldwide.