Antisemitism is “a global emergency” that requires strong leadership to combat it around the world, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Sunday, speaking at his official residence in Jerusalem.
“In each nation, combating antisemitism requires very strong and tough measures and strong leaders,” Herzog said in an address marking one week since the terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach and amid rising Jew-hatred around the globe. “It requires ordinary people rejecting lies and bias, embracing diversity, humanity and truth.”
He continued, “The rise of Jew-hatred across the world is a global emergency. The battle against antisemitism must be everyone’s battle.”
The president said in his holiday message that he hopes to visit the Australian Jewish community soon.
“Tragically, this year instead of lighting the first candle, our sisters and brothers ran for cover,” Herzog said. “Tonight, on the eighth final candle of Chanukah, I want to say to the Jews of Australia: The people of Israel are with you.”
Fifteen people were murdered and scores were wounded during the Dec. 14 Chanukah attack in Sydney.
Dear sisters and brothers of the Jewish community in Australia, one week since the horrific terror attack in Sydney, this is my message to you.
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) December 21, 2025
We mourn those murdered. We pray for the wounded. We stand with you.
Antisemitism is a global emergency.
It requires moral clarity and… pic.twitter.com/DkMuLftQse
