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Last moments of Bondi rabbi: Raised hands, begged gunman to stop

miriw — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:43 +0000

The horrifying testimonies from the Bondi Beach massacre continue to emerge. On Tuesday evening, Sky News Australia reported the final moments of Rabbi Eli Schlanger before he was shot to death by the two suspects in the shooting attack that occurred earlier this week.

In his final moments, Rabbi Eli Schlanger raised his hands, walked toward the gunman as he reloaded his weapon, and pleaded with him to stop shooting. Moments later, he was murdered. His wife, Chaya, was shot in the back. Their two-month-old baby, Shimshy, remains hospitalized with shrapnel injuries.

The coffin is seen at the Chabad of Bondi Synagogue during the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger following a shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, in Sydney, Wednesday, December 17, 2025 (MICK TSIKAS/Pool via REUTERS)

Surla, a close friend of Chaya, revealed that the condition of two-month-old Shimshy has not yet fully stabilized after shrapnel fragments hit his calf. "He's still not out of danger," she said. "The very horror and malice of someone shooting at babies, women, and elderly people – it's terrifying," she added.

Chaya was also injured in the attack, but in the chaos, she didn't realize she had been hit. "Chaya hid and tried to protect herself and especially her two-month-old baby, and she doesn't remember being hit due to the adrenaline, until suddenly someone standing next to her said: 'You have blood on your back,'" Surla recounted. Their two-month-old son is now recovering at the children's hospital, and Surla praised the "unbelievable" support from the medical staff.

Rabbi Yossi Friedman speaks to people gathering at a flower memorial by the Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, following Sunday's shooting in Sydney, Australia (Photo: AP /Mark Baker) AP

In the horrific events of that day, Chaya was forced to watch her husband, a father of five children, being shot to death. "At the same time, Chaya was hit by a bullet; she also tried to keep her husband alive and begged a local nurse and a surfer who was at the scene to continue performing CPR on him," Surla said.

"We had to evacuate her for medical treatment, but she kept saying: 'Wake up, Eli, you have to wake up.' Eli believed in miracles, and she told him, 'Make us miracles, you can't leave me, I have five children, I can't handle this alone.' It was heartbreaking to watch."

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns admitted last night in an interview with Sky News that only two police officers were present at the Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach before the terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 innocent people. "Police were instructed to be present during the festival," he said. "To my understanding, there were two police officers in the park during the shooting or at its beginning, during the murders, and there were also police in the area, so a patrol car arrived at the scene within moments of the start of the shooting."

Meanwhile, a UN expert called for an "independent investigation" to examine whether Australian authorities could have prevented the horrific massacre. Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights in the context of countering terrorism, said any investigation should also examine whether the response of law enforcement authorities "was sufficiently rapid and effective."

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Sydney Jews light second Hanukkah candle at Bondi Beach massacre site

adin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:20:10 +0000

The Jewish community gathered on Monday at 8 p.m. Australian time at Bondi Beach for the lighting of the second Hanukkah candle and to remember the victims of Sunday night's shooting.

A father and son opened fire on crowds and murdered 15 people during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Fifteen people were murdered in the attack, and 38 were wounded, some critically. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, according to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. Two of the wounded died overnight in Sydney hospitals.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Bondi Beach on Monday morning after ordering Australian flags lowered to half-mast following the attack. "Australia will not be divided by hate or violence," he wrote on X. "We will confront this head-on. And we will stand together in solidarity with Jewish Australians and with one another."

Memorial for the murdered Jews at the place of the massacre, Bondi Beach pic.twitter.com/PZZNZXvReQ

— Gameover (@EricS2075) December 15, 2025

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley accused Albanese of allowing antisemitism to "spread" and failing to protect Jewish Australians. "Everything must change from today," she said. "We have seen public sites become symbols of antisemitic hate. We have seen campuses occupied and Jewish students made to feel afraid. We have seen synagogues firebombed at the direction of foreign terror states."

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The inevitable link between Oct. 7 and Australia's Hanukkah massacre

adin — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 17:23:24 +0000

The groundwork for the murderous attack that occurred in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, was laid two years earlier, built upon a foundation of antisemitism that had been bubbling even before the October 7, 2023, massacre by Hamas.

This was a nightmare scenario that had been running through the minds of Australia's Jewish community and its security personnel, who noted that this was the "ultimate nightmare" – a scenario they had prepared for out of fear that the day would come when the nightmare would become reality.

For those who managed to watch the footage from the attack, extremely disturbing images show community members who came to light the first Hanukkah candle: Human rights lawyer, Arsen Ostrovsky, covered in blood, recorded himself in a moment of unimaginable fear. Masses of people are seen fleeing for their lives in terror. The similarity between these images and the images of Nova Festival attendees who recorded themselves in moments of sheer terror conveys the same sense of helplessness when live fire is opened on civilians who cannot defend themselves, but the connection between October 7 and the Sydney attack runs even deeper than that.

Arsen Ostrovsky at the event in Bondi Beach / Credit: Screenshot: X

For two years, we have covered the Australian Jewish community's concerns about the ease with which protests calling for explicit violence against Israelis and against the Jewish community have been allowed to take place. Harsh criticism was directed at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over the need to act with a heavy hand against a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the country, and against extremists at anti-Israel protests.

The Jewish community adapted itself to the changing reality before its eyes – the appearance of swastikas in the streets, repeated attempts to harm the community – private security was increased at institutions, and some community members even considered the possibility of making Aliyah due to the growing sense of insecurity since the Hamas massacre on October 7, which they felt largely stemmed from Albanese's anti-Israel government. "Our blood is cheap," Sydney Jewish residents told Israel Hayom. Sydney, which in recent years has established its status as a hub for pro-terror protests, has changed its attitude toward the Jews living there, or in simple words, the writing was on the wall.

When signs at mass pro-Palestinian protests call to "gas the Jews," "f*** the Jews," and to "globalize the Intifada," and this is allowed without interference, what prevents two armed men, inspired by October 7, from opening fire on members of that same community during a holiday celebration?

Anti-Israel incitement has snowballed over the past two years, under the guise of "morality," which prevented the warning sounded repeatedly by Israelis, Jews, and their supporters from being heard – Israel's war after October 7 is not Israel's alone. It is a war for the entire world against terror. Jews are not persecuted only in the Middle East, but also in Europe, in North America, and now – in Australia.

Too many times, it took bloodshed to wake leaders from their slumber. All decisions made from here forward will answer the question asked by the Jews from Sydney: Is Jewish blood cheap in 2025?

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Murdered Sydney rabbi's plea on antisemitism to Australian PM revealed

miriw — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:45:29 +0000

Hours after Rabbi Eli Schlanger was murdered in a massacre in Sydney, a letter he had recently sent to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been revealed. In it, the rabbi made an impassioned plea regarding Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state and rising antisemitism in the country.

"As a rabbi in Sydney, I implore you not to betray the Jewish people and not God Himself," Rabbi Schlanger wrote. "This land was given by God to Abraham, then to his son Isaac, and then to Jacob, to be the eternal homeland of the Jewish people. Throughout history, Jews have been torn from their land again and again by leaders who are now remembered with contempt in the pages of history."

The rabbi wrote the letter following Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state and amid rising antisemitism in the country. "Today, you have an opportunity to stand on the side of truth and justice," he continued. "By reversing this act of betrayal, you will not only honor the Jewish people and our heritage, but also stand with the word of God. If you choose this path, you will be welcomed home with open arms and even a warm Shabbat meal. I bless you in advance for having the courage to do what is right and to stand firm against this act of apostasy. In hope and prayer, Rabbi Eli Schlanger."

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary

Rabbi Eliyahu Schlanger, a Chabad emissary (שליח – a rabbi sent to serve Jewish communities worldwide) in Sydney, had recently celebrated the birth of his son. He had been responsible for a commemoration project for those killed in the Meron disaster and organized a memorial evening for emissaries murdered in recent years, including the Holtzberg couple from Mumbai and Rabbi Kogan from Dubai. According to Chabad, he did much to commemorate the victims of the October 7 massacre, and the security of the Jewish people was foremost on his mind. "The bullets of the vile murderers reached him at an event he organized for thousands of Jews – but no bullet can reach the enormous light he spread. He was an angel who took to heart the loss of Jews everywhere."

Shimmy Segal, Chabad spokesman, said, "This is a very difficult day. I knew Rabbi Eli, a very dear man who just weeks ago celebrated his son's brit milah (Jewish circumcision ceremony). This is a difficult situation to digest. This tragic and unexpected event occurred on the first day of Hanukkah (the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights) at a massive Chabad event, to our understanding, attended by more than 2,000 people. Eli, whom I knew personally, was one of the central emissaries in Sydney and the organizer of this event."

Segal added, "It's very difficult to speak about Eli in the past tense. He was a living man, full of energy, who led the community and was a good friend. He was a guy with a constant smile, an accessible person you could always turn to, and a father to a wonderful family. His character was revealed in full force when he visited Israel just days after October 7. He came on his own initiative to strengthen others, which speaks to a person who thinks only about how he can help others. Eli used to say a phrase that now takes on a chilling meaning: 'The whole world comes to darken – we come to illuminate.'"

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Netanyahu: Australia enabled Hanukkah 'antisemitism cancer'

ErezL — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:58:11 +0000

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked the Australian government on Sunday following the deadly terror attack at the Hanukkah candle-lighting event in Bondi Beach, Australia, near Sydney. Addressing the incident, Netanyahu described antisemitism as a cancer and said leaders who remain silent were complicit in letting the circumstances evolve toward that incident.

Video: Member of the public overpowers terrorist / Credit: Social media

"A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the Australian prime minister," Netanyahu said. "I said that their policy adds fuel to the antisemitic fire and encourages the Jew-hatred running rampant in Australia's streets. Antisemitism is a cancer, and it spreads when leaders are silent. They must replace weakness with strength. That did not happen in Australia, and something terrible occurred there today – cold-blooded murder. The death toll is unfortunately rising by the moment."

Netanyahu continued, "We saw the evil, and we saw Jewish heroism at its peak. On my way here, I watched a video of a Jewish man tackling one of the murderers, wrestling the weapon away, and saving who knows how many lives."

Breaking Exclusive by @SharriMarkson

Watch the video and read the letter sent by Netanyahu below.

A diplomatic row has erupted between Israel and Australia, and PM Netanyahu has sent a stinging letter to PM Albanese. In the letter he writes:

"I am concerned by the… pic.twitter.com/O6GIQL6khs

— Chaya's Clan (@ChayasClan) August 19, 2025

The Israeli leader's correspondence, leaked to Sky News Australia Australia and dated August 17, 2025, explicitly charges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with "pouring fuel on this antisemitic fire" via Palestinian state recognition advocacy. Netanyahu contends such diplomatic positioning "rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas's refusal to free the hostages" while actively "emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets." Netanyahu called Albanese a "weak politician."

The correspondence establishes September 23, 2025 – coinciding with the Jewish new year of Rosh Hashanah – as Netanyahu's deadline for transformative Australian action against antisemitic escalation, Sky News Australia confirmed. The Israeli premier demanded Albanese "replace weakness with action" and "appeasement with resolve" through concrete policy initiatives addressing the crisis.

An Israeli intelligence source told Israel Hayom that "in recent months there has been a marked increase in activity by Iran and its proxies, the terrorist organizations Hezbollah and Hamas, aimed at carrying out attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets worldwide." The source added that "this included Australia, where, following specific intelligence warnings, the government took partial measures against the Iranian Embassy, including the expulsion of the ambassador. There is no doubt that the direction and infrastructure for the attack originated in Tehran."

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'You failed': Israel slams Australia after Hanukkah massacre

ErezL — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:04:39 +0000

President Herzog stopped an event Sunday morning to condemn the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, while former Prime Minister Bennett blames Australian inaction for the tragedy.

President Isaac Herzog received word of the terror attack at the Chabad House Hanukkah event in Australia while presiding over the Aliyah and Integration Ministry Prize ceremony for trailblazing immigrants. The president halted the proceedings to address the audience. "At this very hour, our brothers and sisters in Sydney, Australia, are under a terror attack during the lighting of the Hanukkah candle at a Chabad event at Bondi Beach," he said.

People and emergency workers gather at location where a holiday event was taking place and then a reported shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 (AP Photo/Mark Baker) AP Photo/Mark Baker

"Many Jews who came to light the first candle of Hanukkah in one of the most magnificent communities in the world were attacked by criminal terrorists," Herzog said.

"Our hearts go out to our Jewish sisters and brothers in Sydney who have been attacked by vile terrorists as they went to light the first candle of Hanukkah. I just spoke to David Ossip, the President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, who was speaking at the event as the shooting attack began. I conveyed on behalf of the entire nation of Israel our condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the wounded. Time and again we called on the Australian government to take action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism that is plaguing Australian society. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community of Sydney and the entire Australian Jewish community at this horrific time."

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was unsparing in his criticism. "The writing was on the wall. The Australian government bears responsibility," Bennett said. "A festive Jewish gathering turned into a scene of terror. A short time ago I spoke with leaders of the Jewish community. They are furious and afraid. For months, they have warned against a rise in antisemitism."

"The writing was on the wall and it was met with a blind eye from the government," Bennett added. "I demand that the Australian government act immediately to protect the Jewish communities and deal with antisemitism with full severity. Jews should not have to fear for their lives anywhere, including in Australia. I send my condolences to the families of the killed and pray for the well-being of the wounded. Your pain is our pain."

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar posted on X, "I'm appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia. These are the results of the anti-Semitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the anti-Semitic and inciting calls of 'Globalize the Intifada' that were realized today. The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses!"

Education Minister Yoav Kisch also linked the violence to policy. "I am deeply shocked by the severe antisemitic attack in Australia," Kisch said. "As a Jew, the heart breaks in the face of the stories and documentation from the murderous event. The decision of the Australian government to recognize a Palestinian state sent a terrible message, the results of which we unfortunately see today. The State of Israel embraces and will support the Jewish community in Sydney in the most difficult moments."

Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat said, "The Australian government failed to eradicate antisemitism and the hatred of Jews in its country."

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Antisemitic caregiver accused of poisoning Jewish family in France

miriw — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:00:54 +0000

An Algerian citizen employed as a caregiver in a Jewish family's home will stand trial on Tuesday in France on charges of poisoning the family on antisemitic grounds, according to a report by Le Parisien. The caregiver allegedly poured toxic cleaning products into food and drinks consumed by the family – parents and three young children from the Paris suburbs – for several weeks.

The case came to light in late January 2024 when the mother tasted cleaning products in the wine she was drinking. The evening before filing a police complaint, minutes after the caregiver left the house, she noticed foam on a bottle of grape juice and smelled bleach in the wine. Police seized cleaning products from the home, including a cleaning spray and a toilet cleaner containing bleach.

The five-year-old daughter told her mother she saw the caregiver transfer soapy liquid into an alcohol bottle labeled "Jerusalem."

The case came to light in late January 2024 when the mother tasted cleaning products in the wine she was drinking (Photo: Getty Images) Getty Images

Laboratory tests revealed chemical traces in wine stored at the home, in whisky, in grape juice, and even in pasta. According to the indictment, these are "harmful and even corrosive substances that could cause serious injury to the digestive system."

The caregiver, identified as Laila Y., 42, was arrested in early February 2024. She initially denied the allegations, but during a search of her home, she told officers, "Because they have money and power, I should never have worked for a Jew, she only brought me problems."

During interrogation, she confessed to pouring soap into the food as "punishment" and a "warning" following arguments about her wages. "I was angry, they didn't respect me," she said. "I knew this might cause them pain, but not enough to kill them."

Her defense attorney claimed she retracted her confession and denies the antisemitic motive. According to the lawyer, the real motive was jealousy. "What was said relates to a class issue and financial resentment," the attorney argued.

According to the report, searches on the caregiver's phone included inquiries about the family's identity, about "barbaric Jews" and about Jewish religious customs. Her Facebook account contained posts related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The children testified that the caregiver asked them questions about religion, and the younger daughter said she saw her repeatedly strike the mezuzahs in the house.

The family's attorneys view the acts as antisemitic crimes, and Jonathan Arfi, chairman of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), has been invited to testify at the trial. Arfi said the affair "exposes structural violence that must not be downplayed or ignored."

The caregiver, who has been in custody since February 2024, was in France illegally and forged a Belgian identity document to obtain employment.

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Mayors from North America gather in New Orleans to combat antisemitism

ErezL — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:36:31 +0000

Some 200 municipal authorities and community representatives from across the US and Canada converged on New Orleans in early December for the 2025 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, an initiative of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM). The annual assembly functions as a collaborative hub where city executives can examine contemporary antisemitism, exchange proven methodologies, and formulate policy to improve safety for their constituents, according to the organization.

Prominent figures at the event included New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Nominee Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, and National League of Cities CEO Clarence Jones. CAM noted that other attendees included Phyllis Dickerson of the African American Mayors Association, Sherri Tarr of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, US District Court Judge Roy Altman, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, and former Gaza hostage Almog Meir Jan.

NYPD officers stand guard outside of Congregation Shaarei Zion of Bobov on June 02, 2025 in the Borough Park neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City (Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

At the concluding banquet at the Caesars Superdome, Mayor Adams unveiled executive orders prohibiting city personnel from boycotting Israel and securing religious freedom in New York. "I say to my Jewish brothers and sisters – your legacy in this generation is to say we run no more. We stand and fight. We don't live in fear, hoping that it goes away," Adams declared, per CAM. "We must stop antisemitism because we are all connected, and we're all involved in this together."

In conversation with CAM leadership, nominee Yehuda Kaploun remarked, "Fighting antisemitism is a moral obligation for all of us. Antisemitism is anti-American. Racism is anti-American. This is not what the Founding Fathers wanted for our country, and the fact we're having this conversation on the eve of America's 250th birthday means we all have a better job to do."

"Myself, the president, the secretary of state, and the entire administration are going to work tirelessly to make sure religious liberty, justice, and restoring respect for humanity for everybody is the goal," Kaploun continued, according to the organizers. "I will be your best partner, and the administration will be your best partner. Reach out, and I will help."

At the opening dinner, the host, Mayor Cantrell stated, "While we're standing together against antisemitism, we're standing together against every form of hate, wherever it is, and however it comes." She added, "It's not just about one, it's about all," and noted, "You can't stand against hate on just one side. It's all or nothing."

CAM CEO Sacha Roytman addressed the officials: "We know the responsibility that comes with leading a city, and we know that fighting antisemitism is only one of the many challenges you face. Your presence today shows that, like us, you are looking for solutions and you want your cities to be safe for the Jewish community and for everyone who calls them home."

"This summit is about ensuring that history does not repeat itself," Roytman stressed, per the report. "This summit is a call for leadership, courage, and partnership."

Lisa Katz, CAM's Chief Government Affairs Officer, told the plenary session, "Antisemitism is not a niche issue. It is racism. It is conspiracy thinking. It is dehumanization. And once it is unleashed, it never stays confined to one group."

"This summit is about a toolbox and a network – real relationships among mayors so you can lean on each other when any community is under threat," Katz added.

Mayor Smiley, heading the CAM Mayors Advisory Board, said, "I'm here at my third CAM conference, because I have found this conference to be exactly what mayors look for when we take time out of our schedule to travel – information that is informative, timely, and real practical and actionable steps that we walk away with. And right now we have a community in each of our cities that is under attack."

"I know that each of our communities is different, but it has gotten harder for all of us," Smiley observed, according to CAM. "We have a lot of work to do. There are antisemitic voices on the fringes of both sides of the political spectrum. While they may be fringes, I think we all know they are often loud, especially online. Your cities and towns need you, your Jewish communities need you, and every other online group in your community needs – whether they know it or not – to see you fighting for this issue."

CAM honored Mayors Nancy Rotering and Alix Desulme with the Mayor of Courage Award. "This fight against antisemitism requires more than just statements," Desulme said. "It demands education, especially from us, municipal leaders, who are on the frontlines every day, and we are closest to the people. We see the consequences of hate, misinformation, and vision, and our neighborhood are our front and center."

Josh and Julia Zuckerman provided testimony about vandalism at their home in New Orleans. "What happened to us can happen to anyone anywhere, in any city, in any home," they said, per CAM. "Please believe your Jewish communities when they say something is wrong. Take them seriously when they ask for help and security. Understand these threats are real. Be brave. Your leadership matters. Your voice matters. And your choices – what you condemn, what you fund, what you prioritize – can make the difference between a family feeling safe or feeling hunted."

CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities and former Mayor of South Bay, Florida Clarence Anthony advised the mayors: "Mayors set the moral tone in your communities. When you speak, speak unequivocally against hate, no matter what form it comes in. Stand up quickly. Respond responsibly around issues of safety. Encourage your residents to report hate crimes, because data tells the story. Build a collaborative coalition across your communities. And model courage."

US District Court Judge Roy Altman, reflecting on his family's survival of the Holocaust, stated, "We are not going back to the killing fields of Babi Yar and the gas chambers of Auschwitz, because it's not the American way," according to the report. "Because we as Americans, we object, and we will never let it happen again, so long as people of good faith like each and every one of you are willing to stand up and lead."

The summit featured workshops on extremist threats, student safety, and legal frameworks, alongside a City Action Lab led by former Mayor Gabriel Groisman. CAM noted that the event, supported by the City of New Orleans and other partners, follows previous gatherings in Frankfurt, Athens, Fort Lauderdale, Dortmund, Beverly Hills, Gold Coast, and Paris.

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Crete escalates against Israeli tourists: 'Do not serve the murderers from Israel'

miriw — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 07:00:16 +0000

The Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris, operated by Mano Maritime, is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday morning at the port of Chania in Crete, and local organizations are planning another protest at the port. But this time they are escalating the tone and calling on service providers on the island – restaurant owners, shop owners, port workers, and tour guides – not to serve Israeli tourists on the island at all.

The protest against Israeli cruise passengers is planned for Tuesday at 09:00 at Souda port near the city of Chania. This is the third protest this year against the ship, following protests held in the summer and on November 4.

The protest is being led, again, by the teachers' union ELME (the Greek teachers' federation), which will allow teachers to stop classes for three hours (09:00-12:00) to enable them to participate in the protest.

"Soldiers taking a break from killing"

In the teachers' union announcement published Monday morning in media outlets on the island, it stated, "Israel, despite the ceasefire, has not stopped bombing Gaza, killing civilians and advancing in the West Bank. The genocidal policy of the murderous state continues and will continue as long as the occupation exists. There can be no peace without justice."

According to the announcement, the cruise ship is not just transporting tourists from Israel, but "constitutes part of a systematic effort to whitewash the genocide in Gaza and the ethnic cleansing in the West Bank through tourism." The announcement claimed that the ship transports soldiers "taking a break from killing" and as "tourists" walk around Greece singing songs like "Death to Arabs" and "Gaza is a cemetery."

during the ship's previous visit to Crete on November 4, police made extensive use of tear gas against protesters and made arrests (Photo: Usage under Israel's Intellectual Property Law Article 27(a)) Usage under Israel's Intellectual Property Law Article 27(a)

As recalled, during the ship's previous visit to Crete on November 4, police made extensive use of tear gas against protesters and made arrests. Ship passengers were delayed for a long time on buses due to the protest. In the summer, the ship's route caused a chain of protests throughout Greece.

As mentioned, this morning's announcement called on tour guides, port workers, and food service and tourism workers in Crete "to make appropriate decisions and not cooperate, not to serve the murderers from Israel."

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Mezuzah vandalism in Toronto: Police launch hate-crime probe

ErezL — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 03:31:23 +0000

The Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit is probing the removal of mezuzahs from the entrances of a TCHC apartment complex in North York, CP24 reports. Authorities confirmed that an unknown quantity was stolen from a building in the Westminster area, near Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue West, though the specific timing of the theft remains unclear.

Police stated that all complaints regarding the incident were received on Sunday. York Centre Councilor James Pasternak addressed the situation on X, revealing that the scrolls at 6250 Bathurst St. were "torn off." He declared, "This is an act of hate directed at Jewish residents – seniors who deserve safety, stability, and dignity in their own homes," noting he had "spoken with the rabbi and connected the building with 32 Division."

Pasternak emphasized to CP24 that "There is no excuse for targeting people because they are Jewish. Toronto cannot look the other way while seniors are intimidated in their hallways. We will continue working with residents, Toronto Seniors Housing, and police until safety is restored." In a subsequent statement, the councilor said he was "shocked and disgusted by the hateful vandalism that took place last night at the TCHC building at 6250 Bathurst Street."

All of the mezuzas at 6250 Bathurst Street (TSHC) have been torn off. We have spoken with the rabbi and connected the building with 32 Division.

This is an act of hate directed at Jewish residents — seniors who deserve safety, stability, and dignity in their own homes.

There is… pic.twitter.com/p8W3CEI8s9

— James Pasternak (@PasternakTO) December 7, 2025

Edmonton's Jewish community comes together in a powerful 'Vigil for Hostages Held by Hamas' at the Alberta Legislature grounds. on October 25, 2023, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Artur Widak / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

"Approximately 15-20 mezuzahs (a Jewish prayer in a small case) were removed from the door frames of Jewish residents during the night. The residents are very upset about this targeting and this gross violation of private space and Charter rights," Pasternak told CP24, praising the "prompt response and investigation" by law enforcement. He asserted, "This hate-motivated crime is a by product of the antisemitism and incitement that is going on in our city and the lack of universal condemnation about the mobs that have taken over the streets over the past two years."

In an interview with CP24, Pasternak explained that the items were "pried off" late Saturday. He noted the residents are largely elderly Russian speakers who "(They) always felt that their building was welcoming and safe. They chose that building because of its community." He added, "It is a wonderful, primarily Russian-speaking Jewish community, and they've always lived their lives openly, celebrated their religion, and their history. And so, this is a major shock that someone would go through the night ripping off or tearing off these mezuzahs, and they were fixed very strongly so it's not an easy task to pry off."

Mayor Olivia Chow denounced the events as an "outrageous and vile act of antisemitism." She stated, "This is a public supportive housing building for seniors. They deserve to live in peace without fear of being targeted for being Jewish," and added, "Jewish Torontonians deserve to live in peace and safety. Thank you Councillor Pasternak for connecting residents to the police who are investigating."

Canada has become an incredibly dangerous country for Jews — one of the most dangerous in the western world. In this latest incident, all the mezuzahs at a large senior citizens living complex in Toronto were ripped off. Absolutely disgusting. https://t.co/XYPjyzm0yb

— Casey Babb (@DrCaseyBabb) December 8, 2025

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) told CP24 that a mezuzah "isn't just an object – for us, it's a reminder of our faith, heritage, and identity." They noted the scrolls "provide a sense of comfort and spiritual protection." The group added, "And yet the seniors at a building in North York were targeted in a place where they should've felt the safest. We've seen hateful conduct go from shouting in the streets to targeting Jews outside our homes to now in the hallways of our own buildings," concluding, "The time for words is over. Our political leaders - at all levels - must take action to protect the community."

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