It has finally happened. A horrific terror attack in Australia — long seen as a multicultural dream country. Tonight, a mass shooting erupted at Bondi Beach during the first night of a Hanukkah celebration, with gunmen opening fire on innocent people gathered for a Jewish festival.
At least nine to ten people have been killed and many more wounded in one of Australia’s deadliest shootings in decades, as police responded and took two suspects into custody. (Reuters)
This isn’t random violence — it occurred at a Jewish community event. Israeli and Jewish leaders internationally have condemned the shooting as antisemitic terror targeting Jews in Australia. (The Jerusalem Post)
For two years, Western cities — including Sydney — have seen rising antisemitic chants and protests. Yet Australia’s response has been largely words, not action. Saying “we do not tolerate antisemitism” without enforcing serious protections amounts to tolerating it by default.
What could the government have done?
Enforce and strengthen hate speech laws.
Act decisively on repeated community warnings.
Protect Jewish events and public spaces proactively.
Instead, calls have gone back and forth — including reports commissioned from community groups — with limited follow-through. The stark reality now: threats and intimidation have escalated into real terror. (Combat Antisemitism Movement)
Multiculturalism is under strain. True multicultural success depends on shared respect for core values and a real commitment to protect all communities. That means robust legal action against hate, serious security planning, and honest leadership — not just rhetoric.
Australia must rethink its approach to community safety, enforce its laws without fear, and ensure no group is left vulnerable. The safety and cohesion of this nation depends on it.
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