How many more Jews must die before the world wakes up and does something about it? Maybe that’s the problem: the world doesn’t want to wake up as too many people are fine with hating Jews.

The murder of at least 15 Jewish Hanukkah celebrants and the wounding of many more in Australia last week could have been prevented if the government had established a security presence at Bondi Beach. Instead, it was reported that police officers stood by during the shooting rampage conducted by a Muslim father and son, who were reportedly inspired by the Islamic State. For two years, Sydney has been shut down every weekend by pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrators. Did no one anticipate consequences from those who embraced and openly spouted extremist ideology?

After the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, there have been fire-bombings, arson, graffiti and hate speech directed at Jews, their organizations and buildings in Australia. The director-general of Australia’s Security Intelligence Organization, Mike Burgess, has stated that addressing antisemitism is a top priority when it comes to threats to life. In light of last weekend’s shootings that appears not to be true.

If the Australian government had been paying attention and intensifying security to meet the threat this terrible incident might have been avoided. While Australia has an estimated 117,000 Jews (among its population of 28 million), the Executive Council of Australian Jewry reports antisemitic incidents have reached historic highs and are at “almost five times the average number before October 7.” The organization documented 1,654 anti-Jewish incidents between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

Since biblical times many have tried and failed to understand and explain the hatred directed toward Jewish people.

“Allegations of well poisoning were a major theme in Jewish persecution in Europe throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern period. They were a central component in the development of modern antisemitism in the 19th century. Blood libel accusations often led to pogroms, violent riots launched against Jews and frequently encouraged by government authorities.” Read more at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum from which this quote was taken.

Many are praising the courageous man who was wounded while tackling one of the gunmen and preventing him from committing additional murders. His name is Ahmed al-Ahmed. He is a Muslim from Syria and a father of two. His parents told the media he came to Australia in 2006 because he has a “passion to defend people.” When he recovers from his wounds he should be invited to Israel and given an award for his selfless bravery.

Australia recently passed a law requiring certain popular social media platforms to block users under the age of 16. The stated reason by lawmakers is to protect children from harm that includes cyberbullying and predators. Why can’t the country ban websites that promote hate, including and especially antisemitism? If protection is to be granted for young people, why not do more to protect its Jewish population? Isn’t the principle the same?

Antisemitism must be fought with more than statements of horror, flowers, and “thoughts and prayers.” Because of its aggressive nature, it must also be characterized by an aggressive response. Otherwise, the slogan “never again,” which was invoked after the Holocaust, is likely to become “ever again.”

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