The Rising Tide of Antisemitism: Bondi Beach as a Global Warning

The Rise of Antisemitism: A Global Crisis

In recent weeks, the global Jewish community has faced a shocking resurgence of antisemitic violence. Events at Bondi Beach serve as a stark reminder of the very real threats that loomed over communities once presumed safe. The horrific shooting during a Hanukkah celebration, claiming 15 lives including that of a child, marks a chilling escalation in a wave of antisemitism that has surged since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Rabbi Levi Wolff, lighting a menorah in memory of those tragically lost, poignantly illustrates the resilience of the Jewish spirit in the face of overwhelming fear. But this is more than a moment of collective mourning; it is a wake-up call for action against a rising tide of hate that can no longer be ignored.

Understanding the Roots of Antisemitism

Why is antisemitism becoming a global crisis? To simply label it a reactionary phenomenon in the wake of geopolitical tensions misses the deeper ideological currents that now permeate society. While some may attribute these heinous acts to isolated extremists, the reality is that they arise from a broader cultural acceptance of hatred that has been normalized on streets and campuses worldwide.

In Birmingham, for instance, a pro-Palestinian march recently featured a banner proclaiming, “One Solution: Intifada Revolution.” Statements like these do not exist in a vacuum. They perpetuate a language that can - and often does - incite violence against innocent individuals. We must urgently examine how such rhetoric contributes to a climate where acts of terror become conceivable.

The Transformation of Jewish Celebrations into Sites of Terror

Celebrating Jewish festivals, which once symbolized joy and community, now carries the grim possibility of becoming a matter of life and death. In Manchester, antisemitic acts disrupted solemn observances, and in Sydney, families gathered for Hanukkah found themselves targeted in a horrifying act of violence. The very essence of what these celebrations represent—community, faith, and tradition—has been warped by hatred and fear.

A Call to Action

Now, more than ever, we must address the urgent need for societal change. The framework of Western liberal democracy rests on shared values, and we cannot shy away from confronting the ideologies that threaten to dismantle this foundation. We must unite against the normalization of antisemitism, not merely as a Jewish issue but as a crucial human rights concern that impacts everyone.

“Nobody should have to live like this.”

Conclusion: A Call for [Re]Awakening

As we move forward, Jewish communities around the world are called not merely to resist but to advocate for change. With the Bondi Beach attack as a stark reminder of our shared responsibilities, the imperative is clear: we must stand together against hatred, refusing to accept a future where fear dictates how we celebrate our identities. Jews are rightfully angry and fearful, but we can also be a catalyst for change, asserting our presence and continuing to light candles of hope in a world that too often casts shadows of hate.

• Dave Rich, director of policy at the Community Security Trust, is an outspoken advocate for Jewish rights and community safety.
• His book, Everyday Hate: How Antisemitism is Built into Our World – and How You Can Change it, explores deeper truths about contemporary antisemitism.