JCRC Statement
December 14, 2025
The following is a statement from the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington following a horrific terrorist attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
“The slaughter of Jews in Sydney on the first night of Hanukkah is yet another reminder of the evils of antisemitism. Our hearts are with the families whose lives have been forever shattered by this despicable act of terrorism.
“We mourn all those who lost their lives, including Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Chabad leads Jews in sharing the light and spirit of Hanukkah with the world. We will always remember and be inspired by Rabbi Schlanger’s example.
“Let us be clear: we will never allow violence to prevent us from leading open and proud Jewish lives. This horrific tragedy, however, is further proof of the wholly insufficient response to the astonishing rise in antisemitic attacks globally in recent years. Jews face threats and attacks every day. Wherever we gather, we are a target. Even when coming together to celebrate a joyous occasion like Hanukkah, our lives are at risk. We are long past the point where leaders of every country and community should have said “enough.”
“What is supposed to be a celebratory time of year for people of many faiths has in recent hours been marked instead by mass violence: from a beach in Sydney, Australia to a classroom at Brown University. None of us should accept a world where such events have become so routine. Leaders must act with the urgency that this moment requires and do far more to protect their communities.
“Tonight, as Jewish people in our area and across America gather to welcome Hanukkah, we do so with heavy hearts but with resilient spirit. This year, more than ever, we will gather publicly to affirm and celebrate Hunakkah’s messages of religious freedom and fortitude in the face of hatred. As we demand a more urgent response to increasing violence against Jews, we will not retreat or capitulate. The hatred that has targeted Jews for thousands of years has been relentless, but it will never succeed.”