Antisemitic Attack in Australia: 12 Killed at Hanukkah Event

IFCJ Canada  |  December 14, 2025

A tragic shooting at a Hanukkah event on the beach outside of Sydney has claimed the lives of 12 people and injured dozens more, JNS reports.

The attack took place at a Chanukah celebration attended by thousands of people and organized by the Chassidic Chabad-Lubavitch movement, according to Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister of diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism.

“I am in continuous contact with leaders of the Jewish community in Australia,” stated Chikli. “There are many casualties, including fatalities. I will provide updates as soon as additional details become available.”

According to Chabad spokesman Motti Seligson, one of the organization’s rabbis was among those murdered. The slain rabbi was identified as Eli Schlanger, a U.K.-born Chabad emissary in Sydney.

As acts of antisemitic violence continue to impact Jewish communities around the world, our hearts are heavy with grief. Please join us in praying for the loved ones of the victims of this horrific attack, and for an end to the hatred that motivated it. May God’s precious gift of shalom, peace, reign throughout the world during this sacred season of light and miracles.

Our President, Yael Eckstein, speaks out on this horrific attack.