Australian ambassador attends A'dam Hannukah celebration after Bondi Beach attack

Australian ambassador Greg French attended a Hanukkah celebration with mayor Femke Halsema in Amsterdam Zuidoost on Monday, following a deadly attack at a similar celebration in Sydney that left 16 people killed. French said he considered it “an honor” and “important” to be present at the celebration, but declined to comment further on the Bondi Beach attack.

On social media, French did respond to caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s message of support following the attack. “We deeply appreciate Prime Minister Schoof’s words of empathy and solidarity on this dark day for Australia. Thank you to the Government of the Netherlands for standing with us and the Jewish community against antisemitism and hate,” the ambassador wrote.

Caretaker State Secretary Jurgen Nobel spoke at the Amsterdam Hanukkah celebration and called the Bondi Beach attack unacceptable. Several hundred people gathered at Gustav Mahlerplein to celebrate the Jewish holiday amid a heavy police presence.

“We must remain vigilant. And we must continue to speak out and act against antisemitism wherever and however it manifests itself,” Nobel said, speaking on behalf of the caretaker Cabinet. The attack “shows how hatred and antisemitism continue to disrupt lives,” he said. “And precisely at moments that should be marked by light and solidarity, this attack is a painful reminder that antisemitism remains a harsh reality. And that it can manifest itself in deadly violence.”

The Jewish community should be able to celebrate its holidays “without dark clouds and threats,” the State Secretary said. “Hanukkah reminds us that light can be stronger than darkness. But that requires our continued commitment to a society where everyone can feel free and safe.”

Other speakers at the event also reflected on the Sydney attack. “Words fail us, and our hearts are with the Jewish community in Sydney,” said one of the organizers at the beginning of the celebration. Rabbi Yanki Jacobs led a round of applause for Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who overpowered an attacker on Bondi Beach. Chanan Hertzberger, chair of the Central Jewish Council (CJO), led a prayer, after which Halsema, among others, lit a candle.