WASHINGTON (December 14, 2025) – President Donald Trump encouraged Jewish Americans celebrating Hanukkah to “celebrate proudly” and not live in fear, following a deadly antisemitic terrorist attack at a Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed at least 12 people and injured dozens more.
In comments relayed through a Fox News correspondent after a phone interview, Trump said: “They do not need to be worried… Celebrate proudly – be proud of who you are.” He called the Bondi Beach shooting a “purely antisemitic attack” and a “terrible” act of terrorism.
Details of the Bondi Beach Antisemitic Attack
The shooting occurred Sunday evening (local time) during “Chanukah by the Sea,” a public Hanukkah celebration organized by Chabad of Bondi, attended by over 1,000 people including families and children. Two gunmen—identified as a father and son—opened fire on the crowd, killing at least 12 (ages 10-87, including a rabbi and Holocaust survivor) and wounding 40+. One gunman was killed by police; the other is hospitalized in critical condition.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned it as a “targeted attack on Jewish Australians” and “pure evil,” vowing to eradicate hate. A brave bystander (described in some reports as a Muslim man) disarmed one attacker. No motive officially stated, but authorities and leaders label it antisemitic terrorism amid rising incidents post-October 2023.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australia’s handling of antisemitism, while global leaders (UK’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, EU’s Ursula von der Leyen) expressed solidarity.
Trump’s Broader Message on Antisemitism
Trump’s remarks came during White House events addressing multiple weekend tragedies, including attacks in Syria (3 Americans killed) and Brown University (2 dead). He praised heroism in Bondi and urged strength against hate.
As Hanukkah begins, Trump’s call resonates amid heightened U.S. security alerts for Jewish communities. The Bondi attack—Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in decades—underscores global antisemitism spikes.
Jewish organizations praised Trump’s words as reassuring, while advocates call for stronger action against hate.
A somber start to the Festival of Lights, but Trump’s message: Light overcomes darkness—celebrate proudly.
References
- Fox News – Trump encourages Jewish Americans to ‘celebrate proudly’ during Hanukkah after deadly Bondi Beach shooting (Dec 14, 2025)
- CNN – Trump pledges no fear for Hanukkah celebrations after Australia attack (Dec 14, 2025)
- The New York Times – Bondi Beach Shooting: 15 Killed in Antisemitic Attack (Dec 14, 2025)
- Al Jazeera – Deadly attack at Sydney Hanukkah event (Dec 14, 2025)
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