Israeli president calls for global campaign against anti-Semitism

A week after an attack on a Jewish festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15, mainly Jews, Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on Sunday for a global campaign against anti-Semitism.

“The rise of Jew hatred across the world is a global emergency,” Herzog told a Jerusalem event commemorating those killed in Australia.

Two attackers, a father and his son, fatally shot and wounded people on the famous beach during a Hanukkah event. The father was shot dead by police and the son taken to hospital with life-threatening gunshot wounds.

A commemorative event held in Sydney was attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During his speech, there was a live link to the gathering in Sydney.

Herzog urged everyone to join the fight against anti-Semitism. “This is an urgent call to action to prevent the next catastrophe. We will not stand for this.”

He said fighting anti-Semitism calls for countries to take “very strong and tough measures” and also show “strong leadership.”

“I want to say to the Jews of Australia, the people of Israel are with you,” Herzog said, adding that he hoped to visit the Jewish community in Australia soon.

“Despite thousands of miles being apart, we feel your pain, we see your courage under fire, we share your sense of abandonment, shock, and horror.”

A minute of silence was held before Herzog’s address, and he lit a candle afterwards.

“We will not allow the hatred to break us,” Herzog said. “We will not allow terror to diminish our light, our unity, our peoplehood, our mutual responsibility, our eternity. Together we will defeat this darkness,” he said.