The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism condemned "with shock and profound grief the murderous shooting attack carried out today in Sydney," calling it "a brutal act of terror targeting Jews who had gathered to mark the lighting of a Hanukkah candle."
"The reality is clear and painful. The blood of the victims is on the hands of the Australian government," the ministry stated. "Since October 7, instead of standing firmly and unequivocally alongside the State of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and the frontline of the free world against jihadist terrorism, the Australian government has chosen a policy of weakness, restraint, and appeasement."
"This reckless policy has direct consequences at home within Australia itself. The Australian government is doing everything in its power to ensure that Australian Jews cannot live safely, peacefully, and securely as Jews in their own country. The result is unmistakable. When Jews gather to celebrate a Jewish holiday and light a candle, they are met with murderous violence and terror.
"All reports, research, and data held by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs show that Australia has become one of the Western countries experiencing the sharpest and most alarming rise in antisemitic incidents since October 7. Repeated warnings, appeals, and attempts to engage with the authorities have been met time and again with a wall of indifference, while the government continues a policy of appeasement toward jihadist elements and movements driven by hatred, the destruction of Israel, and the denial of the Jewish people’s very right to exist," the ministry's statement concluded.
Some mistakenly believe that Jews can be sacrificed, that appeasing jihadists and turning a blind eye to incitement will buy quiet and stability. History teaches the opposite. Appeasing the enemies of Western civilization does not bring safety. It only brings the next catastrophe closer.
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism will continue to act with full determination against antisemitism in Australia and around the world. The State of Israel will continue to support, train, and strengthen Jewish communities so they can confront threats, incitement, and violence, even when local governments choose to fail in their most basic responsibility of protecting their citizens.
We share in the grief of the families. May the memory of the victims be a blessing, and we wish a full and speedy recovery to the wounded.
To the Jewish community of Australia, we say clearly that you are not alone. Just as you stood with the State of Israel in its darkest moments, the State of Israel stands and will continue to stand with you. The Jewish community in Australia will continue to live, grow, and flourish, despite all attempts by those who seek its destruction.