Hadassah Responds to Terror Attack Targeting Jews at Hanukkah Celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia

NEW YORK, NY – Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, made the following statement in response to the terror attack targeting Jews at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia:

Our hearts are with all who gathered to celebrate Hanukkah at Bondi Beach and with the entire Jewish community of Australia as we mourn yet another devastating terrorist attack targeting Jews. We grieve the murder of 11 innocent lives and extend our deepest condolences to their families. We also pray for the full recovery of all who were wounded. May the memories of the victims be a blessing.

The Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem and Hadassah International, working closely with Hadassah Australia, are coordinating immediate support for the affected community, including equipping therapists and family physicians in Australia with specialized tools and guidance to care for the victims and to help those indirectly affected cope with this trauma.

We condemn this reprehensible, hate-driven act of terror and the alarming rise in antisemitism before and since October 7, 2023, which continues to fuel violence against Jews around the world. We call on global and community leaders of all faiths to confront antisemitism wherever it appears, reject it without equivocation and take meaningful action to protect Jewish communities. History has shown again and again that hateful words lead to incitement – and incitement leads to bloodshed.

Hadassah stands firmly against all forms of violence and hate and in unwavering solidarity with Jewish communities everywhere.

About Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America:

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, donors and supporters, Hadassah brings women together to effect change on such critical issues as ensuring Israel’s security, combating antisemitism and promoting women’s health care. Through its Jerusalem-based hospital system, the Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah helps support exemplary care for more than 1 million people every year as well as world-renowned medical research. Hadassah’s hospitals serve without regard to race, religion or nationality and in 2005 earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for building bridges to peace through medicine. Hadassah also supports two youth villages that set at-risk youth in Israel on the path to a successful future. Visit www.hadassah.org or follow Hadassah on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads and X.