Mayor-elect Issues Strong Statement on Sydney Hanukkah Shooting While Reaffirming Commitment to NYC Jewish Community Safety
Mamdani Responds to Tragic Bondi Beach Hanukkah Attack
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani issued a powerful statement condemning the terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Sydney, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people and wounded dozens more on the first night of Hanukkah. In his response, Mamdani called the attack a vile act of antisemitic terror and mourned those killed, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger of Chabad of Bondi Beach, a native of Crown Heights, Brooklyn who worked closely with Jewish community organizations.
The Bondi Beach Attack and Its Global Significance
Two gunmen opened fire on a crowd of hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event at Campbell Parade in Sydney on December 14. Australian authorities confirmed that the attack was terrorism explicitly designed to target the Jewish community during a major religious celebration. One gunman was killed by law enforcement on scene, while a second remained in custody in critical condition. The shooting marked one of the deadliest attacks on Jews outside Israel in recent decades and sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide, raising alarm about escalating antisemitic violence and the increasingly precarious security situation facing Jews globally.
Mamdani’s Statement and Personal Reflection on Jewish Community Fears
Mamdani acknowledged the anxiety gripping Jewish people worldwide in the wake of the attack. His statement emphasized that too many Jews no longer feel safe expressing their faith publicly, worshiping in synagogues without armed security, or engaging openly with their religious identity. He articulated the deep concern that what happened at Bondi Beach represents a fear shared by many Jewish people in their own communities. The mayor-elect took time to specifically recognize Rabbi Schlanger’s death, noting his deep ties to Crown Heights and his work as a vocal defender of the Jewish community. Schlanger had recently been particularly vocal about antisemitism in Australia, posting videos of himself dancing while affixing a light-up menorah to his car, calling it the best response against antisemitism. Schlanger left behind his wife and children, including a two-month-old baby.
The Heroism of Ahmed Al Ahmed and Community Response
Mamdani highlighted the extraordinary courage of Ahmed Al Ahmed, a local businessman who rushed toward the gunfire and disarmed one of the shooters, putting his own life at extreme risk. Al Ahmed was shot twice during the heroic act and hospitalized with serious injuries. Mamdani framed Al Ahmed’s actions as the response New Yorkers should emulate, calling for communities to confront hatred with the urgency and action it demands. He urged New Yorkers preparing to light menorahs on the first night of Hanukkah to look to Al Ahmed’s example of immediate, decisive action against antisemitic violence.
International Condemnation and Global Solidarity
World leaders rapidly condemned the Sydney shooting. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the attack heinous and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. King Charles issued a statement expressing that he and Queen Camilla were appalled by the antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that antisemitism has no place in the world. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep distress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the attack to criticize the Australian government’s earlier recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing the decision encouraged antisemitism. Palestinian officials also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with friendly Australia.
Mamdani’s Commitment to NYC Jewish Community Safety
Despite his well-documented critical stance toward Israel during his mayoral campaign and his controversial positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Mamdani reiterated a clear commitment to ensuring the safety of Jewish New Yorkers. He pledged that when he becomes Mayor, he will work every day to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe on city streets, in subways, at synagogues, and in every moment of every day. This statement comes after Mamdani faced significant backlash from Jewish leaders during his campaign regarding his refusal to disavow the phrase “globalize the intifada” and his support for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel. Yet the Sydney attack appears to have prompted reflection on the concrete security threats facing Jewish communities, regardless of political disagreements over Israel policy. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams also announced enhanced police security measures at menorah lighting celebrations throughout the city. Incoming NYC Comptroller Mark Levine declared his intention to attend multiple menorah lighting events to demonstrate that Jewish New Yorkers remain public and proud in their faith despite the violence.
