Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani decried the “vile act of antisemitic terror” that unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia on Sunday and vowed to “keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.”
During a Chanukah by the Sea event on the iconic Sydney beach on Sunday, at least two gunmen opened fire, killing 11 people, including children, and wounding at least 29 others.
“The attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney today was a vile act of antisemitic terror. I mourn those who were murdered and will be keeping their families, the Jewish community, and the Chabad movement in my prayers,” Mamdani posted on X.
“May the memories of all those killed be a blessing. While we are still waiting for all the facts to emerge, what we already know is devastating.”
The incoming mayor noted that one of the victims is Rabbi Eli Schlanger, “who held deep ties to Crown Heights.”
Schlanger, whose wife had a newborn just two months ago, had penned a letter to the Australian Prime Minister a few weeks ago, urging him to be more supportive of Israel.
“Another Jewish community plunged into mourning and loss, a holiday of light so painfully reduced to a day of darkness, “Mamdani added. “This attack is merely the latest, most horrifying iteration in a growing pattern of violence targeted at Jewish people across the world.
“Too many no longer feel safe to be themselves, to express their faith publicly, to worship in their synagogues without armed security stationed outside,” he continued. “What happened at Bondi is what many Jewish people fear will happen in their communities too.”
Mamdani, the first Muslim elected mayor of New York City, had a strained relationship with the Jewish community on the campaign trail.
Jewish leaders in the Big Apple were rattled by the democratic socialist’s statements and policies including his ferocious criticism of Israel, backing of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, and reluctance to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada.”
But Mamdani pledged to protect Jewish residents in his comments Sunday.
“When I am Mayor, I will work every day to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe—on our streets, our subways, at shul, in every moment of every day,” he stressed in his statement. “Let this be a purpose shared by every New Yorker, and let us banish this horrific violence to the past.”
Hundreds of people attended the Chanukah by the Sea event at Bondi Beach.
Viral video captured a heroic man in a white shirt sneaking up on one of the gunmen and wrestling the shotgun away from him, saving many lives.
Local media has identified the good Samaritan as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner.
One of the suspected shooters was killed and another was wounded, according to local police who are investigating whether a third gunman participated.
Sunday is the first day of Hanukkah.
“Tonight, as Jewish New Yorkers light menorahs and usher in a first night of Hanukkah clouded by grief, let us look to his example and confront hatred with the urgency and action it demands,” the incoming mayor added.
