Herzog expresses Israel’s solidarity with Australian Jews after attack

President Isaac Herzog spoke on Sunday with Australian Jewish community leaders following the terror attack targeting a Chanukah event in Sydney, expressing the profound shock and sorrow felt across Israel.

Herzog spoke with NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip and Central Synagogue rabbi Levi Wolff, conveying condolences to the families of those murdered and prayers for the recovery of the wounded.

“We are utterly shocked and bereaved. The entire nation of Israel feels that its heartbeat has stopped,” Herzog told Ossip.

“On behalf of the State of Israel and the people of Israel, please convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and our prayers for the recovery of the wounded. We stand with you, and we are here for you.”

Ossip briefed the president on the deadly attack at the Chanukah gathering in Sydney, the loss of life including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and the immediate steps taken to place the community in lockdown amid ongoing security concerns.

Herzog emphasised his confidence in the leadership of the Australian Jewish community and reiterated Israel’s unwavering support.

“We trust your leadership and your strength. You will do whatever is needed to ensure the safety of the community. Please know that the State of Israel stands alongside you,” Herzog said.

Ossip thanked Herzog for the call, noting the strength and reassurance drawn from Israel’s solidarity.

Herzog concluded by urging resilience and unity, saying: “Be strong. We will remain in close contact. Shalom, my friend.”

In his call with Wolff, Herzog conveyed his deepest condolences on the murder of the Chabad rabbi in the attack.

Herzog shared words of strength with Wolff, affirming that “the Jewish people never give up. We are an eternal people, and the candles will be lit again as of tomorrow, again and again, all over the world”.

Wolff responded that, even amidst the terrible pain of the moment, “we have shown over the years that no-one can hold us down, and we will move on stronger”.

Meanwhile, United Hatzalah of Israel is preparing to dispatch a team of experts to Sydney to assist local authorities in the aftermath of the terror attack.

United Hatzalah president and founder Eli Beer said the organisation’s medic and psychotrauma units have extensive experience in providing international disaster relief and emergency support.

“Our mission has always been to save lives and to assist people all over the world in their most vulnerable hours,” Beer said.

“When tragedy strikes, borders do not separate us. We are preparing to send our experts to Sydney to help the Jewish community and to support the local authorities in the aftermath of this terror attack.”

United Hatzalah previously deployed specialised teams to crises including the Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh in October 2018.