The European Jewish Association (EJA) called on nations and governments to start taking the threat of antisemitism seriously in the wake of the murder of at least 10 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia today (Sunday).
"The EJA expresses its deepest sympathies to the families of those murdered in Sydney today, celebrating the victory of light over darkness, Hanukkah. We pray for a full recovery for those injured," the EJA stated.
"This disgusting, cowardly and utterly nauseating attack on Jewish families whose only reason to be murdered for the sick terrorists who did this, was being Jewish," it added. "In Europe as in Australia, Jews will celebrate with joy, but with one eye looking for danger. We will do this because, unlike most goverments, who will now be lining up to express horror and disgust, we fully understand the hatred that has been allowed to fester and take root all over the world, in many cases right under the noses of the very governments who will today be expressing their sorrow."
The organization wondered: "How many more Jews have to be murdered before governments will admit that there is a giant antisemitic and antizionist elephant in the room? An elephant that destroys lives, destroys families, and strikes to the very heart of our democratic values? How many more?"
"The EJA calls on all European governments to immediately increase security around Jewish communities, buildings and Hanukkah celebrations that will be taking place tonight and in coming days," the statement concluded.
The story of Chanukah teaches us that against overwhelming odds, against those more numerous than us, we prevail. Our light will always beat their dark, our love is stronger than their hate.