On Sunday, Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York, condemned the anti-Semitic massacre that took place during the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia. He vowed to protect the safety of the Jewish community in New York.
During the “Seaside Hanukkah” event at the iconic beach in Sydney, at least two gunmen opened fire on the Jewish community, resulting in the deaths of 16 people, including children, and injuring at least 40 others.
Mamdani took to social media, expressing his deep dismay over the attack, calling it a despicable act of anti-Jewish terrorism. He mourned the victims and included their families, the Jewish community, and the Chabad movement in his prayers.
Among the deceased was Rabbi Eli Shlanger, who Mamdani noted had deep roots with the Crown Heights in Brooklyn.
He described the tragedy as plunging another Jewish community into grief and the darkness that overshadowed what was supposed to be a joyful holiday. Mamdani emphasized that such violence against Jews is an increasingly alarming trend globally.
Mamdani acknowledged the fear and insecurity felt by many, the inability to freely practice their faith and the concern that tragedies like the one at Bondi Beach could happen in their own communities.
As the first Muslim mayor-elect of New York, Mamdani’s relationship with the Jewish community has raised concerns due to his past criticisms of Israel, support for the BDS movement, and refusal to condemn the “global uprising”.
However, Mamdani reassured the Jewish residents of New York of his commitment to their safety. He promised to work tirelessly every day to ensure the security of the Jewish community, whether on the streets, subways, synagogues, or at any moment of the day.
Sunday marked the first day of Hanukkah, with hundreds gathering at Bondi Beach for the “Seaside Hanukkah” event. A video circulating online captured a heroic act where a man in a white shirt courageously disarmed one of the gunmen, saving many lives.
Local media confirmed the man as 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who has a Muslim name.
Mamdani lauded the brave actions of the man at Bondi Beach and urged New Yorkers to confront hatred with a sense of urgency and action as they observed the first night of Hanukkah in the shadow of sorrow.