January 1, Slain Rabbi Warned Australia on Betrayal

Wyatt’s Take

• Rabbi Eli Schlanger warned the government just months before he was killed.
• Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state stirred outrage among the Jewish community.
• Antisemitic attacks in Australia have risen sharply since October 2023.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger was among those killed in a terror attack at Bondi Beach. He had been outspoken about the dangers facing the Jewish people.

He led “Chanukah by The Sea,” drawing large crowds. After the attack, 29 people were hospitalized.

Schlanger sent a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, asking him not to betray the Jewish people and voicing concern over recent government decisions.

“As a rabbi in Sydney, I beg you not to betray the Jewish people and not God Himself,” Schlanger wrote.

He called Israel “the eternal homeland of the Jewish people,” describing its biblical roots.

Schlanger pleaded for Albanese to “stand on the side of truth and justice” after Australia and the UN took steps toward Palestinian statehood.

“Should you choose this path, you will be welcomed home with open arms and even a warm Shabbat meal. I congratulate you in advance for the courage to do what is right and to stand firmly against this act of heresy.”

In his last post on X, Schlanger encouraged Jews to put up more menorahs and face antisemitism with pride and joy.

The best response to antisemitism. Happy Chanukah! pic.twitter.com/33RSGYzhUY

— Rabbi Eli Schlanger (@SchlangerEli) December 17, 2024

He worked as assistant rabbi and son-in-law to the founding rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Since last fall, the whole community has faced increased antisemitism—arson, graffiti, and threats have risen.

After the October 7 attacks in Israel, Jewish families in Australia reported heightened safety concerns. Attendance at synagogue events climbed despite the risk.

Schlanger explained that the local area was mostly quiet, but reported weekly protests in downtown Sydney. He urged his community to “be more Jewish, act more Jewish and appear more Jewish.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Australian leader of abandoning Jews after steps were taken against his coalition and Israel. He predicted history would judge harshly. Antisemitic incidents now happen nearly five times more than before last fall, including synagogue fires and hateful graffiti.

The pain felt by the Jewish community runs deep as they see their safety threatened on foreign soil. Stay alert to what’s happening—these stories deserve our attention and our prayers.

Wyatt Matters

When attacks reach peaceful corners of the world, it shows why strong values and watching out for neighbors matter. Folks in the heartland know that standing with those under fire isn’t just the right thing—it’s what keeps communities safe and free for everyone.

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