In a profound response to the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach, the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, delivered a powerful message asserting the resilience and pride of Jewish communities worldwide. On December 10, 2023, just a day after two assailants opened fire during a family gathering celebrating the first night of Chanukah, Mirvis emphasized the significance of Jewish identity and safety in a public address on BBC Radio 4.
During his segment on the Today programme, Mirvis declared, “We are here, we belong, and we will not hide who we are.” His remarks came in the wake of a tragic incident that left at least 15 individuals dead and many more injured, as members of Sydney’s Jewish community gathered for the “Chanukah by the Sea” event.
Call for Moral Clarity and Safety
Mirvis highlighted the historical context of Chanukah, recalling the courage of a small group of Jews who resisted oppression over 2,150 years ago under the rule of Emperor Antiochus Epiphanes. He articulated the need for “moral clarity,” insisting that the right of Jewish communities to assemble freely and safely is a universal issue, not one confined to the Jewish population alone. “This moment demands more than sympathy; it demands moral clarity,” he stated, underscoring that the safety of all communities reflects the moral health of society as a whole.
Sharing his personal connection to the attack, Mirvis recounted how his cousin and his wife spent 15 harrowing minutes hiding from the gunfire beneath a food stand. He expressed concern over the normalization of security fears within Jewish communities, stating, “Every public Jewish gathering must be weighed for risk is a sign of something deeply wrong.”
Addressing Antisemitism and Promoting Unity
Mirvis concluded his address by urging collective action against the roots of antisemitism. He insisted that society must confront not only the visible manifestations of hatred but also the underlying causes that fuel such sentiments. “We must stand together against the normalised rhetoric that demonises Jews and the only Jewish state,” he asserted.
“Darkness will advance wherever decent people retreat, and light can only be preserved when people are prepared to stand up for it,” Mirvis stated, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding human dignity.
As the Jewish community reflects on the significance of Chanukah amidst this tragedy, the Chief Rabbi’s message resonates as a call for unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The events at Bondi Beach serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities globally and the need for unwavering solidarity against acts of violence and hate.
