The latest episode of the Jerusalem Dispatch podcast opens in the shadow of tragedy. What should have been a celebration of Hanukkah's enduring themes of perseverance and Jewish sovereignty was instead marked by news of a deadly shooting in Sydney, Australia.
Behind the microphone were longtime Jerusalem residents and co-hosts Calev Ben David and Elliot Jager, offering commentary and analysis from a distinctly Israeli perspective.
Tragedy at Bondi Beach
Before any discussion of candles and sufganiyot, the hosts addressed breaking news: a shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Held by a local Chabad group, the event was reportedly attended by hundreds of families when gunmen opened fire, killing at least 12 people and injuring many more.
Among the wounded was JPost contributor Arsen Ostrovsky, a prominent Australian-Israeli advocate against antisemitism. A bullet grazed his head, but he survived. Ostrovsky has long warned of rising antisemitic sentiment tied to the demonization of Israel, particularly in Australia.
The Israeli government was quick to criticize Australia’s Labor-led government, accusing it of failing to adequately confront antisemitism. Australia’s recent diplomatic tensions with Israel, including its decision to bar a right-wing Knesset member from entry, have only deepened the divide.
Watch or listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.