Hanukkah Shooting in Australia Raises Concerns

A recent column by New York Times writer Bret Stevens discussed the tragic mass shooting that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. This incident resulted in 15 fatalities and left 40 others injured, prompting authorities to investigate it as a possible act of terrorism.

The attack was allegedly carried out by a father and son targeting the Jewish community. Many conservative commentators have criticized the Australian government for not being adequately prepared for such violence. Stevens, identifying as of Jewish descent, has weighed in with his insights in an article titled “Bondi Beach is a look at the ‘globalization of the intifada.’” He emphasized that anti-Semitic threats are not solely an import but are also emerging domestically.

According to the American Jewish Committee, “globalizing the intifada” suggests a worldwide call for rebellion against Israel. The phrase stirred considerable debate last year, especially after new New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s initial defense of it. His position softened as the election drew closer.

Stevens speculated on the motives of the shooters, suggesting they might have interpreted their actions as part of this global uprising. He noted that slogans like “resistance is justified” resonate with many engaged in protests against Israel, often seen as abstract political rhetoric. However, it’s the literal interpretation by a few that leads to real-world violence. “The results were written in Jewish blood,” Stevens lamented, foreseeing that this might not be an isolated incident.

In his commentary, Stevens also pointed fingers at the Australian government, headed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who recognized Palestinian statehood in September and has been vocally critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. He argued that the moral distinctions between condemning Israel and inciting violence against Jews can become convoluted.

Albanese condemned the Bondi Beach attack, describing it as incomprehensible. Yet, Stevens countered that for extremists, viewing the Jewish state as evil can skew their moral compass, leading to violence even against innocent civilians during celebrations.