Netanyahu calls Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Arsen Ostrovsky

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blamed the Australian government’s “lax policies” for the Bondi Beach terror attack, telling Sydney Jewish leaders that authorities are obligated to act immediately to eradicate terrorism.

Netanyahu spoke on Wednesday with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Chabad of Bondi spiritual leader , whose son-in-law Rabbi Eli Schlanger was murdered in Sunday’s attack, and Arsen Ostrovsky, the incoming head of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council’s Sydney office, who was wounded in the attack.

On behalf of his wife and the people of Israel, Netanyahu shared in the grief of Rabbi Ulman and the families of all those murdered, and wished a full recovery to the wounded.

“The Prime Minister said that these criminal acts are a result of the antisemitism running rampant in the face of the lax policies of the local authorities and the Australian government, which is obligated to act immediately with all available tools to eradicate terrorism and restore security to the Jewish communities,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

Netanyahu emphasised that Israel stands by the Jewish community in Australia and expressed solidarity with Chabad emissaries and Jews of Australia.

Speaking at a memorial event on Wednesday night, Rabbi Ulman said he had walked out during a speech by Israeli diaspora affairs minister Amichai Chikli to take Netanyahu’s call.

“We had a relatively long conversation. I told him that I walked out in the middle of your speech, and he is your boss, and he gave me chizuk, and I tried to do the same,” Rabbi Ulman said.

Rabbi Ulman said he urged Netanyahu not to reward terrorism in the wake of October 7.

“I said to him, Mr Prime Minister, you were with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whom he admires, the great leader of the Jewish people. And he spoke to you, please, I know you’re under a lot of pressure. Right now when you’re pressured by people who are against you, it’s easier to withstand, to stand firm. When your friends pressure you, it’s much, much harder,” Rabbi Ulman said.

“So right now, I told him, the worst thing that we can do is to in any way reward terrorism. If, as a result of October 7, an inch of Israel is given, if as a result is any concession to what the terrorists want, it makes it feel that it was worthwhile for us to do it again.”

Ostrovsky thanked Netanyahu for taking the time to speak with him after the attack.

“Thank you The Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Netanyahu, for taking the time to speak with me after the Bondi Massacre, and for your words of support and solidarity with the Australian Jewish community in these difficult days,” Ostrovsky wrote on social media.

Ostrovsky also thanked President Isaac Herzog for personally calling after the attack.

“Deeply grateful to President Isaac Herzog for personally calling after the Bondi attack and expressing solidarity. Your kindness and leadership are a great source of inspiration, as our community aches so much. This evil of antisemitism must be confronted with unwavering resolve,” Ostrovsky wrote.

Herzog responded: “Wishing a speedy recovery to Arsen and all those injured in the Sydney terror attack.”

The Bondi Beach terror attack on Sunday killed 15 people during a Chanukah celebration, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger and 10-year-old Matilda. Ostrovsky was among 49 people injured in the attack.