The Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, delivered a resolute message of strength and identity for Jewish communities worldwide following a terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The incident, which occurred during a family event celebrating the first night of Chanukah, resulted in at least 15 fatalities when two armed terrorists opened fire on attendees.
In a poignant address broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on December 10, 2023, Mirvis highlighted the importance of Jewish presence and pride, stating, “We are here, we belong, and we will not hide who we are.” His comments came just a day after the attack, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He referred to the historical context of Chanukah, invoking the resilience of Jews who faced persecution over 2,150 years ago.
Call for Moral Clarity and Safety
Mirvis emphasized the need for “moral clarity” in response to the assault on the Jewish community, advocating for the right of Jewish people to gather “freely, safely, and publicly.” He asserted that this right transcends religious boundaries, framing it as a measure of a society’s moral health. “This moment demands more than sympathy; it demands moral clarity,” he insisted.
During his three-minute message, Mirvis reflected on the significance of Pirsumei Nisa, the Chanukah principle of publicizing Jewish survival. He drew parallels between the ancient Jewish struggle against Emperor Antiochus Epiphanes and the contemporary challenges faced by Jewish communities. “On Chanukah, we publicize not only their survival, but also their refusal to be intimidated or erased,” he said.
Mirvis shared a personal connection to the tragedy, recounting how his cousin and his wife were forced to hide under a doughnut stand during the attack. “Jews have lived with security concerns for as long as I can remember,” he noted, adding that the necessity of assessing risks before public gatherings signals a troubling reality.
Addressing Antisemitism and Its Roots
Concluding his remarks, Mirvis called for action against both the symptoms and causes of antisemitism, urging society to confront the rhetoric that demonizes Jewish individuals and the state of Israel. He stated, “We must stand together against the normalized rhetoric that demonizes Jews and the only Jewish state.”
Mirvis’s message serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of violence against minority communities and the importance of solidarity in the face of such challenges. He articulated a powerful sentiment: “Both the story of Chanukah and yesterday’s attack are a sober reminder that darkness will advance wherever decent people retreat, and that light can only be preserved when people are prepared to stand up for it.”
As the global Jewish community reflects on this tragic event, the call for unity and resilience resonates strongly, reinforcing the enduring spirit of a faith that has withstood the tests of history.
