Related article: https://eulema.org/

The MJLC condemns in the strongest possible terms the unconscionable antisemitic attack which occurred yesterday in Bondi Beach, Australia. This reprehensible act of hatred, directed at members of Australia’s Jewish community, represents not only an assault on those directly targeted, but an attack on the fundamental values of tolerance, safety, and mutual respect that underpin our society.
That such an incident could take place during a time of celebration and togetherness makes it all the more disturbing.

We would like to highlight the statement of our constituent organisation, European Muslim Leaders Majlis (EuLeMa), representing all Muslim members of the MJLC:

“Together with the Councils of Imams and the Australian Muslim community we “stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms and affirming our shared commitment to social harmony”. “These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face full force of the law.”

We firmly reject antisemitism in all its forms, just as we reject Islamophobia, racism, and every manifestation of religious or ethnic hatred. Violence can never be justified by political tensions, ideological disagreements, or global events. Upholding the sanctity of human life and the rule of law must remain a shared moral responsibility.

The Jewish community, like all religious communities, has the inalienable right to live in safety, security, and mutual respect in their religious dignity and practice. EULEMA expresses solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia and extends our sincere sympathy to all those affected by this heinous act. To murder persons during a religious service of Hanukkah is a blasphemous attack that goes against any religious principle. As our colleague mufti Faid Muhammad Said from London wrote:

“Any act of violence, intimidation, or hatred directed at individuals or communities on the basis of their faith or identity is morally reprehensible and must be rejected without reservation.”

We praise the Australian citizen Ahmed al Ahmed who bravely disarmed one of the gunmen as a symbol and a hero of justice. At this critical time, it is incumbent upon leaders, institutions, and communities to stand united against hatred and to reaffirm our collective commitment to peace and freedom of religion.”

We would also like to share the Conference of European Rabbis’ (CER), which constitutes the majority of our Jewish members, statement on the attack:

“The Conference of European Rabbis is devastated by the murderous attack on a #Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where terrorism shattered the Festival of Lights.

We mourn with the Jewish community of Sydney and with the families grieving loved ones murdered simply for being Jewish. This act of hatred must be unequivocally condemned and addressed with determination and responsibility.”