Holocaust Survivor’s Daughter Links Sydney Shooting to Surge in Antisemitic Hate

Victoria Teplitsky, daughter of an 86-year-old Holocaust survivor wounded in the Bondi Beach shooting attack on December 14, 2025, has accused Australian authorities of failing to curb rising antisemitism, allowing hatred against Jews to "fester". Speaking to Reuters, the 53-year-old retired childcare centre owner, whose father, Semyon, was shot in the leg during the assault that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration, emphasised that the perpetrators—a father and son—had been "taught to hate", making ideology the core issue rather than gun access.

Teplitsky expressed anger at the government's perceived inaction, stating it "comes from the top" and that officials should have "squashed the hatred rather than letting it slide." She voiced feelings of marginalisation within the Jewish community, questioning whether Jews are considered "Australian enough" and whether their concerns matter to leaders. Her father, who immigrated to Australia seeking safety from antisemitism, now faces multiple surgeries and possible amputation, yet remains defiant in spirit while furious at the incident.

The attack, lasting approximately 10 minutes, targeted hundreds at the festive event, prompting widespread condemnation and heightened security nationwide. Antisemitic incidents have surged in Australia since the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel that killed 1,200, followed by Israel's Gaza offensive resulting in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities. Reports of synagogue graffiti, bombings—including a 2024 arson in Melbourne—and other vandalism have alarmed the community.

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Teplitsky noted that Jewish leaders had repeatedly warned authorities but felt ignored. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, for doing "nothing" to address antisemitism, while Albanese reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and highlighted measures like criminalising hate speech, banning the Nazi salute, and extending security funding for Jewish groups.

Amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests and the nation's intelligence agency prioritising antisemitism as a top threat, Teplitsky's remarks underscore deep frustrations within Australia's Jewish population over perceived inadequate protection.

The tragedy has intensified national debates on tolerance, community safety, and governmental responsibility in managing tensions stemming from the Middle East conflict.

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