Israel's foreign minister has issued a stark call for Jews living in Western nations to move to Israel, declaring that Jewish communities worldwide are no longer safe. The plea from Gideon Saar follows a horrific attack in Sydney, Australia, which left 15 people dead at a Hanukkah celebration.
A Call to Leave the West
Speaking at a candle-lighting ceremony for the final night of Hanukkah, Mr Saar stated that antisemitism had escalated to a critical point, with Jews being targeted in multiple countries. "Jews have the right to live in safety everywhere. But we see and fully understand what is happening, and we have a certain historical experience," he said. "Today, Jews are being hunted across the world."
He directly addressed Jewish communities by name, urging: "Today I call on Jews in England, Jews in France, Jews in Australia, Jews in Canada, Jews in Belgium: come to the Land of Israel! Come home!" He added that Israelis were waiting "with open arms, with love, in the true home of the Jewish people" and questioned why families would raise children in an atmosphere of fear.
The Bondi Beach Attack and Aftermath
Mr Saar's remarks came one week after gunmen opened fire at a Jewish festival on Sydney's Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. The attack killed 15 people, aged between 10 and 87, and injured dozens more. Australian authorities have said the massacre was inspired by the ideology of the jihadist group Isis.
One suspect, Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder. His father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene. It was later revealed that Sajid Akram legally owned six firearms, including the weapons used in the attack.
In Australia, the nation has been plunged into mourning and political debate. Over 10,000 people gathered under heavy police security at Bondi Beach for a commemoration on Sunday evening, 21 December. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other dignitaries attended, though Mr Albanese was booed by some in the crowd.
Global Tensions and Political Repercussions
Israeli leaders have repeatedly linked the rise in antisemitic attacks overseas to the war in Gaza, which began after Hamas's assault on Israel on 7 October 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Western governments to do more to protect Jewish citizens, demanding they "fight antisemitism and provide the required safety and security."
Mr Netanyahu has also sharply criticised the Australian government, claiming its recognition of a Palestinian state in September 2025 "pours fuel on the antisemitic fire." Australia's move followed similar actions by the UK and Canada. The domestic political fallout has been significant, with Deputy Leader of the Nationals Bridget McKenzie accusing the government of having "failed Jewish Australians."
In response to the attack, Australia has taken several steps:
- Observed a national Day of Reflection with flags at half-mast.
- Announced a review of law enforcement and intelligence responses.
- Pledged to tighten the country's already strict gun laws.
- Reconvened the New South Wales parliament for a two-day debate on new hate speech and gun legislation.
The Bondi attack is the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which led to sweeping national gun reforms. Community leaders like Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry expressed that victims' families feel "tragically, unforgivably let down" by perceived government failures to curb antisemitism.
