Sacramento, CA – Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D–Hollywood) released a statement today following a deadly antisemitic attack targeting the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia, which killed at least 11 people and injured dozens more during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.
“Today, we saw another horrific antisemitic act of terror against the Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Jews, including a Rabbi, were murdered at a Hanukkah celebration — a holiday that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness.
My heart aches for the Jewish community right now. And to my fellow non-Jews, I ask: How much longer must the Jewish community sound the alarm and plead with the world to address this clear and growing threat to their safety and lives?
Now must be a moment of moral clarity, allyship, and action for leaders around the world. We must all stand with the Jewish community, condemn this rising hate, and work across cultural and political divides to stop it.
My heart goes out to the Jewish community in Sydney, across Australia, and around the world. May the memories of those lost be a blessing.
Elie Wiesel said, ‘Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must — at that moment — become the center of the universe.’ Today, Bondi Beach is the center of the universe.”
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Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.