The same hatred for Israelis that sparked the Israel-Hamas War two years ago now fuels attacks against Australian Jews, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said on Wednesday at a candle-lighting event at The Association for Israel’s Soldiers, celebrating 20 years of Project “Courageous Fighter."
"As we light the candles, our hearts beat for our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, particularly the Jewish community of Sydney," Zamir said. "We mourn the victims and pray for the wounded. The same hatred that fuels attacks against Israelis also fuels attacks against Jews in Australia."
"This antisemitic terror attack in Sydney reminds us that the war that started on October 7 was against the entire Jewish people, but it was also against all of Western civilization. I am declaring a clear warning: countries that won't fight against radical and fundamental terrorist organizations, which are armed with false propaganda on social media, will pay a heavy price," cautioned the IDF chief.
IDF chief: Terror like Sydney will spread without moral clarity
Further, he stated that, "Terror, like in Sydney, will spread to other places. Now is the time for a shared moral commitment that will bring about a clear distinction between good and evil and the triumph of light over darkness. Since October 7, the IDF has been on the front line of this battle for good."
He concluded, "Hanukkah symbolizes the struggle of the Maccabees, the determination to preserve our Jewish identity and our national freedom. The IDF will continue to defend the Jewish people, protect the citizens of Israel, and ensure the security of the Jewish state."