"We traveled yesterday to light Hanukkah menorahs with Jews, to bring Jewish light to their homes. We met Jews from all walks of life and, after several hours, went down to the subway to the World Chabad Center. During the transfer between Line 4 and Line 3, a father and son were present. The father began attacking and cursing the boy, who appeared to be around bar mitzvah age. There were about eight of us boys, and I naively thought this was a mentally disturbed person."

He continued: "We entered the car together with him, and then he began shouting anti-Jewish slurs and making threatening gestures toward the boys and toward me. I started recording his actions, and then his son, who was standing in front of me and hadn't done anything, began attacking me, taking my phone, making gun signs at my head, and told me, 'If you don't give me your phone now, I will kill you.'"

Video: The incident on the subway / Credit: Mandy Azraf

Later, Mandy recounted that one of the boys tried to help him, but "the father of the boy who attacked me grabbed the boy by the throat and pressed him against a pole in the car. The moment the doors opened, we immediately fled, even though it wasn't the station we were supposed to get off at."

He pointed out that he received almost no assistance from the other passengers who witnessed the entire incident: "It was a difficult incident because no one tried to intervene and stop it. But the moment something physical started happening, two people tried to stop it, but most of the people in the car didn't do anything."

These assailants need to be found and arrested before they take another subway ride.

The assault on Jews happened on the 3 train in NYC which runs from Harlem to Brooklyn. https://t.co/vx48mPDcSB pic.twitter.com/AncGkdm5he

— Marina Medvin (@MarinaMedvin) December 16, 2025

Mandy and his friends, who were with him, filed a police complaint shortly after the antisemitic attack: "I sent the videos to an officer on WhatsApp, and they said they would check it. Today we gave testimony at the police station, they had us sign forms, and showed us pictures of the suspects. According to what we understood, the officers know their identities but haven't caught them yet."

Against the backdrop of the shocking massacre in Australia, Azraf warned about the rise in antisemitism also in New York and pointed an accusing finger at newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani: "Yesterday the mayor of New York visited The Ohel [memorial site for Chabad leader] because of the attack in Sydney, but regarding what's happening in the New York subway, he's not protecting Jewish security and isn't condemning the incident."

Looking ahead, Mandy refused to bow his head: "It seems antisemitic incidents are starting to intensify. We're trying to protect ourselves, but it's clear we won't hide Jewish symbols. We'll continue to illuminate the darkness that's trying to prevent us from doing what we need to do."

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"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 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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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.

"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.

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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In a decisive legal ruling, the UAE Court of Appeals has unanimously sentenced three Uzbek citizens to death for the November 2024 murder of Chabad emissary Zvi Kogan, while a fourth defendant received life imprisonment followed by deportation. Israeli diplomatic sources have confirmed the sentences, which came after Turkish authorities arrested and extradited the suspects who had fled following what Israel has characterized as an antisemitic terrorist attack.

UAE, "A global model of coexistence and tolerance"

According to the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates, Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi ordered an expedited trial for the four defendants in January 2025, following investigations conducted by the state security apparatus.

The investigation proved that the defendants tracked Kogan, kidnapped and murdered him. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including detailed confessions from the defendants admitting to the murder and kidnapping, forensic evidence, the victim's autopsy report, murder weapons, and various witness testimonies.

Turkish authorities arrested the three killers shortly after the murder and extradited them to the UAE. In recent days, Israeli officials verified reports about the death sentences, with diplomatic sources confirming this information on Sunday.

The news agency noted that death penalty rulings can be appealed to the Criminal Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court, which will review and rule on any appeals filed. However, the likelihood of a successful appeal in such a case is extremely low. The Attorney General emphasized that the verdict demonstrates the UAE's commitment to combating terrorism according to the highest standards while ensuring guarantees of a fair trial.

He stated that the Emirati justice system deals firmly with any attempt to undermine the country's security and stability. According to him, the United Arab Emirates represents "a global model of coexistence and tolerance," with laws that protect everyone living within its borders, regardless of religious affiliation.

The murder 

Upon their arrest, the three men faced charges for serious offenses carrying a maximum death penalty. Until Sunday, apart from reports on popular social media accounts, there had been no official confirmation of their sentences. Authorities had already anticipated that the UAE would seek the death penalty for the three defendants, Olimpi Tohirovich (28), Mahmoud Jon Abd al-Rahim (28), and Aziz-Bek Kamilovich (33). Officials did not specify their suspected motive for the murder, which Israel characterized as an antisemitic terrorist attack.

The murder occurred on November 21 last year but was only confirmed by Israel three days later. Contact with Kogan was lost on Thursday afternoon, the day of the murder, when he missed scheduled meetings and stopped answering phone calls from his family. Kogan's wife contacted the Chabad security officer, who then alerted Israeli security officials. Subsequently, the Mossad took over the investigation.

Authorities discovered Kogan's body in his car in Al Ain, about 90 miles from Dubai, bearing signs of violence. Investigators found evidence of a struggle inside the vehicle. According to reports, a terrorist cell followed him from the time he left Dubai, then kidnapped him near a grocery store where he worked as a kosher supervisor. The Israeli investigation revealed that the perpetrators were Uzbekistan citizens who fled to Turkey, with intelligence assessments suggesting Iranian involvement in directing the operation. ZAKA personnel transported his body to Israel for burial in Jerusalem.

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Some 400 Jewish students from across Europe united for Pegisha Europe 2025, the continent's largest Shabbat gathering organized by Chabad on Campus International in Budapest, Hungary.

A moving tribute to Maj. Amishar Ben David who was killed in battle in Gaza was an emotional peak for the event.

We had to jump onto this trend #PegishaEurope pic.twitter.com/qD3I9c3suK

— Chabad on Campus International (@ChabadOnCampus) March 31, 2025

According to organizers, the emotional peak of the weekend came during Shabbat Shacharit. As Ben David's eldest son ascended the bimah for an aliyah, a silence swept the room. Then, the entire congregation linked arms and erupted into a powerful rendition of "Acheinu," filling the synagogue with unparalleled support and unity.

"It was electric," said a student from Amsterdam. "Singing together, holding each other, it felt like we were carrying his memory forward as one family."

Shlomit Ben David, the widow of Maj. Amishar Ben David, shared a story about him in Gaza. When supply trucks arrived for the IDF, soldiers would carry heavy bags one by one. Amishar would check the weight of each bag and deliberately choose the heaviest ones to help lighten the load for his fellow troops. Shlomit highlighted that the most heroic acts are often small daily kindnesses, not just grand gestures, whether in battle or everyday life.

Shavuah Tov from Hungary! Reporting LIVE!

We just wrapped an unbelievable Shabbat with 300+ #LoudAndProud Jewish students at #PegishaEurope! We are ready to carry the energy and unity from Shabbat into the new week . pic.twitter.com/wefg8GB7fa

— Chabad on Campus International (@ChabadOnCampus) March 22, 2025

The event featured Rabbi Simcha Steinberg, chazan from Chabad at Eindhoven University, who led prayers at Budapest's "Shoes on the Danube" memorial, commemorating Jews killed during the Holocaust.

British musician Alex Clare addressed attendees, sharing personal experiences navigating the entertainment industry as an observant Jew. Participants engaged in discussions on maintaining Jewish identity in challenging environments, with sessions including the timely topic "Why stay Jewish in a hostile world?"

"Every Jewish student deserves a dedicated space to explore and embrace their identity, regardless of external pressures or distractions," said Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International, underscoring the event's purpose.

"I spent years hiding my Judaism," Dean, a student from Madrid, said. "Here, I realized I don't have to. We're stronger together. This wasn't just a Shabbat. It was a family I didn't know I had."

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Chabad on Campus International has launched a new initiative called #CampusforBibas, according to a press release issued Tuesday. The campaign aims to honor the memory of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, two young children who, along with their mother Shiri Bibas, were murdered by Hamas after being taken hostage on October 7.

The initiative, as detailed in the release from Chabad on Campus, encourages Jewish male students to wrap tefillin and Jewish female students to light Shabbat candles. "This initiative was born from the painful reality that Kfir and Ariel will never get to grow up and put on tefillin, and Shiri will never again light Shabbat candles for her family," said Rabbi Avi Weinstein, Chabad on Campus International COO.

According to the organization, the campaign represents more than just remembrance – it serves as a declaration of Jewish resilience. The press release emphasized, "Every mitzvah done in their name is a declaration that the Jewish people will never be extinguished."

The Bibas family's situation has resonated deeply within Jewish communities worldwide. The press release cited social media responses, including one user who wrote, "The thought of Kfir and Ariel never reaching their bar mitzvah broke me. I will put on tefillin every day for them." Another person reportedly commented, "My daughter and I will light Shabbat candles for Shiri. Her light will not be lost."

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In a powerful display of faith and community support, Alexandre Sasha Troufanov, who was released Saturday in the sixth phase of the hostage deal from Islamic Jihad captivity, marked his first full day of freedom by putting on tefillin at Sheba Medical Center, joined by Russia's Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, who traveled to Israel specifically for this emotional reunion.

Following the tefillin ceremony, Rabbi Lazar presented Troufanov with a personal gift: a new tefillin set and prayer book, both customized with his name on the case and cover.

The news of Troufanov's release sparked celebrations throughout Russian Jewish communities, with particular jubilation in his birthplace of Rostov. "Sasha is coming home! Our hearts overflow with joy!" announced Rabbi Chaim Danzinger, who serves as both Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary in Rostov.

In the hours following Shabbat's conclusion – during which his Shabbat-observant grandmother made her way to the hospital for their touching reunion – Troufanov engaged in a heartfelt video conversation with Rabbi Berel Lazar, currently in Israel celebrating his daughter's marriage to the son of Rabbi Avraham Wolf, who leads Chabad activities in Odessa and southern Ukraine and established the 'Family' orphanage.

"I deeply appreciate all your efforts, you are truly remarkable people," Troufanov expressed with sincere emotion to Rabbi Lazar, who had been actively working with high-ranking government officials. "Your heart is immense, and you must continue your vital work. Your faith and compassion are extraordinary, thank you!"

Responding to Troufanov's request, Rabbi Lazar visited this morning for their first in-person meeting, where Troufanov donned tefillin for the first time and recited the Shema Yisrael prayer with profound devotion. He shared reflections on how his faith sustained him throughout his captivity and spoke of his strengthened trust in God.

Ilana, Troufanov's mother, made an impassioned appeal to Jewish women and girls worldwide to light Shabbat candles for those still held in Hamas captivity.

Jewish communities across former Soviet Union states participated in numerous events supporting Troufanov's release and that of all hostages, organized by Chabad emissaries and community rabbis. Rostov hosted multiple gatherings and prayer services.

Troufanov's roots in Rostov run deep. Born there, he immigrated to Israel with his mother, Yelena, at age two. His grandmother, Irina, maintained active involvement with the community, regularly attending synagogue classes and events at the Rostov Jewish community center until her aliyah approximately one year before October 7.

Rabbi Lazar conducted extensive behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, maintaining crucial connections with various parties involved in negotiations. He also hosted the Troufanov family in Moscow multiple times since October 7.

"The special bond between Troufanov and Russia's Jewish community illustrates the enduring connection between Russian Jewish immigrants to Israel and their original communities," noted a source from the Federation of Jewish Communities in Russia.

As Jewish communities celebrate Troufanov's return, they maintain their focus on those still in captivity. Rabbi Danzinger emphasized this ongoing commitment: "Our prayers continue for the safe return of all remaining hostages."

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In a powerful display of Jewish pride and resilience, hundreds of Jewish youth from across Europe gathered at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of Nazi power, to celebrate their identity, despite rising antisemitism throughout the continent. The December 2024 gathering, organized by Chabad's global CTeen movement, brought together young Jewish leaders for a three-day conference focused on community building and cultural preservation in challenging times.

Standing where Hitler's forces once marched, they joined together in declaring "Shema Israel," followed by an uplifting performance of the beloved Israeli song "Od Yoter Tov" that has resonated throughout the Jewish world.

Over the three days, the youth engaged in a comprehensive program addressing their pressing concerns, including forthright discussions about the challenges facing Jewish communities and strategies for addressing them. The landmark gathering was led by Berlin's Chief Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal and attended by notable figures, including Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor.

My message is clear: if there is one thing the October 7 massacre taught us, it is that terror is closer than we want to believe and that its violence knows no boundaries.

We, as Israelis, learned on that day that our enemies mean exactly what they say and will execute their… pic.twitter.com/4QQijkjkAD

— Ambassador Ron Prosor (@Ron_Prosor) December 13, 2024

 Founded fifteen years ago by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, who heads Chabad's global emissary network, the organization aims to unite Jewish youth worldwide. "This distinctive youth movement represents the most effective path toward building the Jewish future globally," said his son and successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kotlarsky.

The conference proceeded under heightened security measures, reflecting a particularly difficult year for Jewish communities worldwide, especially in Europe, where antisemitism metrics continue their concerning upward trend. Current data reveals that 44% of Jewish youth have faced antisemitic harassment, while 41% contemplate emigration due to safety concerns, and 45% avoid visible Jewish symbols.

"During these turbulent times across Europe, this seminar stands as compelling evidence that the Jewish people endure," Rabbi Teichtal reflected. "These challenging circumstances have actually strengthened the bonds among Jewish youth, who now share a deeper sense of family connection."

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Ukraine's Jewish communities are preparing to celebrate their third Hanukkah under wartime conditions, hoping that light will dispel the darkness brought by the ongoing conflict. The Federation of Jewish Communities (FJCU) is organizing extensive holiday activities, continuing its tradition since its establishment in the 1990s.

Chabad emissaries, working through the federation, will operate in cities and districts nationwide. The light of Hanukkah will reach 169 Jewish communities in Ukraine, including towns and settlements without permanent representatives – some with just dozens or even a few Jewish residents. Despite freezing weather conditions, JRNU warehouses across Ukraine are currently packing thousands of festive kits for distribution to the country's Jewish population.

Thousands of special kits are being sent to Jewish homes, containing personal menorahs, elegant yarmulkes, Ukrainian-translated psalms books, children's gifts, and sweets. Additionally, central candle-lighting ceremonies will be held in city centers, with the main national ceremony taking place in Maidan Square with public officials and foreign ambassadors in attendance. These ceremonies will be made possible through special permits from authorities to allow Jews to celebrate Hanukkah. Meanwhile, large banners announcing public lighting ceremonies will be displayed in major city centers as part of the religious obligation to publicize the miracle.

This year, "Heroes of Ukraine" – local Jews who were wounded on the Russian front and received medals for heroic combat actions – will be honored with lighting the central menorahs, recognizing their representation of the fight for freedom and personal sacrifice.

In cities under bombardment, central lighting ceremonies traditionally held outdoors will move inside synagogues. "We are at war, with daily bombings," said Rabbi Nachum Ehrentroi, rabbi of the nuclear city Zaporizhzhia. "It's literally life-threatening to gather people on the street; it's absolutely forbidden. We will hold large lighting ceremonies every evening in the synagogue with an expected attendance of 450 Jews. We have a shelter in the synagogue adjacent to the lighting area, and in case of an attack, God forbid, we can immediately go down to the shelter."

Given the severe economic situation of Ukrainian Jews, humanitarian food packages will be distributed to Jewish families, brightening Hanukkah for thousands, alongside personal menorahs and educational holiday games for children. The food packages will contain various staples, including flour, oil, long-life milk, pasta, rice, baked goods, natural juices, and sweets. Some products are manufactured in Ukraine under the strict kosher supervision of the Ukrainian Kashrut Committee UK, led by Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski, one of Kiev's rabbis.

Rabbi Meir Stambler, chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine, said: "Despite the escalating war, Chabad emissaries are doing everything to bring light into this great darkness. As then and now, we hope for miracles in the war with Russia and pray for victory in the Holy Land, for the swift return of the hostages, and for the coming of the Messiah."

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Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, a senior representative of the United Arab Emirates authorities, arrived at the shiva (seven-day mourning period) in Jerusalem on Friday to express his sincere condolences to the family of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the Chabad emissary who was killed in Abu Dhabi on November 24, 2024, emphasizing the UAE's unwavering commitment to coexistence and rejection of extremism.

During his conversation with family members, Nuaimi emphasized that the UAE will continue to advocate for coexistence and never allow extremists to divide us. "The state and its citizens are more committed than ever to the values of openness and peace and will increase their efforts to ensure that Rabbi Zvi's legacy continues and that all communities live in harmony in the UAE," the senior official said.

Former Israeli Ambassador to the UAE, Amir Hayek, joined Nuaimi's visit to the Kogan family home. Nuaimi holds the position of Chairman of the Defense Commission of the Federal National Council's Internal and External Relations Committee. In practice, he can be described as a senior advisor whose words reflect the position of the president of the UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Nuaimi was among the major proponents of the Abraham Accords and is known as a harsh critic of radical Islam. For instance, in a special interview marking the first anniversary of establishing relations with the UAE, he said of radical Islam: "This is not Islam, and it does not serve the interests of Muslims worldwide. Instead of religion uniting all human beings, they developed a narrative of hatred."

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