"They Waited for a Massacre": Sydney's Jewish Community Blasts Australian Government Over Antisemitism

Anger Over Government Inaction

A palpable sense of anger and frustration is gripping the Jewish community in Australia following the massacre at the first night of Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. Shiri Schildkraut, a coordinator for the Eran organization in Australia, captured the community’s feelings, stating, "We've been warning for two years that people intend to harm Jews, why did they wait for a massacre?"

Community members voiced sharp criticism over the local government's perceived inaction against rising antisemitism, accusing authorities of being overly complacent. "The feeling is mainly one of anger and disappointment, a country needs to protect its citizens, even if it's a minority group," shared Shiri Schildkraut.

The sentiment is that the government has not done enough to stem the tide of anti-Jewish hatred, which included large protests where participants carried jihad flags and called for the destruction of Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar forcefully attacked the situation in Australia over the past two years, specifically citing the "Globalize the Intifada" chants heard at protests. "The meaning of the calls for a global Intifada, as they were shouted in Australian demonstrations, is to murder Jews everywhere, like what happened yesterday in Sydney. These calls must be banned," Sa'ar stated.

The Delayed Response and Unwavering Fear

Gila Roza, a Sydney resident, expressed her disappointment, noting that she and others had been living in fear for two years, relying on private security for communal events due to antisemitism. She also pointed to the media's delayed response, noting that it took approximately three hours for television reporters to mention the attack was a terror incident at a Hanukkah event, despite the fact it was already known.

"It's generally hard for them to say it out loud," Schildkraut continued, referring to the media and politicians. "They don't want to recognize that there is a group of extremist Islamists who want to harm Jews."

Orit Brand, a Melbourne resident, revealed that fear has compelled her family to avoid large community events for the past two years. "It feels like we have to invite people home and celebrate 'in secret' instead of together publicly," she said, noting that some families have even removed visible Jewish symbols like the Star of David or mezuzahs from their homes. Brand, however, affirmed, "The terror will not win, if there is a communal lighting, we will attend."

Confronting Politicians and Unexpected Solidarity

The widespread anger was visibly directed at Australian politicians who arrived at the crime scene. Interior Minister Tony Burke and Senator Mehreen Faruqi, a Muslim member of parliament and prominent leader of the anti-Israel movement, were met with cries of "Shame!" and "Blood on your hands!" captured on Australian television. These calls reflect the community’s fury over what they perceive as the Australian government’s failure to address antisemitism.

Faruqi, whose previous social media posts included an image of an Israeli flag being thrown into a trash can, claimed she was at the scene only "to mourn," while refusing to answer questions about whether her rhetoric had fueled the crisis.

Despite the deep frustration, a surprising wave of support has offered a glimmer of hope. Schildkraut described receiving numerous messages from non-Jewish friends and colleagues, even more than after the October 7 attacks. "It seems different when it happens in your home," she noted.

Schildkraut hopes this national outpouring of grief will lead to a deeper understanding, saying, "I hope it brings an awakening and they understand that this is not Arabs against Jews, it is an extremist group full of hatred towards Jews." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while attacking Prime Minister Netanyahu's response, did promise to consider stricter gun laws and investment in security for the Jewish community.