A month after Bondi attacks, Jewish diaspora remains in shock

Politicisation of the tragedy to attack anti-genocide movement is a further affront to Jews everywhere, writes Ria Czerniak-Lebov

Mourners gather to lay flowers at Bondi Beach last month. The barbarism seen at Bondi Beach marked Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in three decades. Photo: Izhar Khan/Getty Images

Nearly a month has passed since the horrific Bondi Beach terrorist attack, in which a Chanukah celebration was targeted, killing 15 people. 

The victims included a 10-year old girl named Matilda, and an 87-year old Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman who shielded his wife of five decades from the bullets. 

Without the heroic intervention of fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, the number of victims could have been far higher. This massacre lasted mere minutes but the grief and fear it unleashed is still felt across Australia and the wider Jewish diaspora.

The speed with which this tragedy was cynically politicised was characteristic of Israel’s propaganda machine, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming that it was Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recognition of the State of Palestine and failure to address anti-semitism that had led to the Bondi Beach terror attack. 

This attack, however, had no connection to Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood or the pro-Palestine solidarity movement which has consistently called for an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Netanyahu knows this, Albanese knows this too, and deep down so do those weaponising this horrific attack to further their own political agendas. 

The speed with which this tragedy was cynically politicised was characteristic of Israel’s propaganda machine, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) claiming that it was Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recognition of the State of Palestine and failure to address anti-semitism that had led to the Bondi Beach terror attack. File photo: AP/Richard Drew

Such assertions are an affront to the Jewish diaspora whose safety has been entirely disregarded by Israel’s administration as they continue to prioritise the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians over the protection of Jews.

The barbarism seen at Bondi Beach marked Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in three decades, causing New South Wales Premier Chris Minns to acknowledge the urgent need for gun and protest law reforms. 

Thought to be inspired by terrorist organisation Islamic State, it is clear that the massacre committed by Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram is part of a far wider and extremely worrying rise in anti-semitism. However, it bore no connection whatsoever to peaceful political protest. 

While Netanyahu and the pro-Israel lobby are intent on implicating those who stand with Palestine, they wilfully dismiss the fact that over the past two years Israel has not only bombarded Gaza but also attacked no less than six countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Qatar and Yemen. 

Due to the dangerous conflation of Judaism with Zionism, Jews around the world are now vulnerable to acts of terror, retribution and collective punishment for the actions of the State of Israel.

Alongside the global outpouring of condolences, a plethora of conspiracy theories, deepfakes, false flag claims and inflammatory finger-pointing also ensued, leaving the internet littered with victim blaming and callous commentary from the vocal minority of the anti-Israel campaign which has gradually lost their ability to recognise any form of Jewish suffering. 

While it is important to consider the contributing factors to terrorism of this sort, it is deeply hurtful and unhelpful to politicise or minimise the impact of this attack on global Jewry.

Throughout history, Jews have been falsely blamed or scapegoated for a long list of offences from the execution of Jesus and the cause of the Black Plague to countless conspiracy theories of blood libel, betrayal and world domination, such as those levelled at George Soros by the American right wing. 

Such accusations and prejudices laid the groundwork for pogroms, and the systemic and civil discrimination of Jews across Europe, long before the Holocaust’s genocide of six million Jews.

Netanyahu and the pro-Israel lobby have long exploited the generational trauma of these histories, equating criticism of Israel with anti-semitism as they promote the Zionist narrative that Israel’s actions are essential for Jewish safety and that combatting anti-semitism can only be done by supporting the ‘Jewish State’ and silencing its critics. 

What was once perceived by many as a haven of Jewish safety now brings shame, danger and guilt by association to Jews worldwide whose leaders still refuse to condemn the atrocities committed in their name. 

By continuing to support Israel, whether politically or financially, Jewish diaspora leaders, organisations and lobby groups have reinforced the perception that Judaism and the State of Israel are inextricably connected. The suppression and censorship of anti-Zionist Jewish voices has only warped perceptions of Jewish identity and affiliation further.

The everyday impact of such factors is the normalisation of global fear and hostility. Like the attack on a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur in October, the Bondi Beach massacre will make many of us think twice when choosing how to mark the Jewish holidays in future, something which should be unacceptable to all, whatever their politics.

Holding all diaspora Jews responsible for Israel’s actions is itself a deeply anti-semitic conviction. As I write, the State of Israel continues to breach the terms of its current ceasefire in Gaza while violently and egregiously expanding its settlements in the West Bank. 

Ria Czerniak-LeBov: 'Holding all diaspora Jews responsible for Israel’s actions is itself a deeply anti-semitic conviction.'

As it stands, Israel is now a terrorist state intent on the destruction of Palestinian life and it is incumbent upon us all to hold Netanyahu, his government, the IDF and all who continue to profit from genocide accountable. 

Israel’s actions are anathema to Jewish teachings and values. Far from keeping Jews safe, this rogue state has done unimaginable harm to those it claims to represent.