Pope Leo XIV and Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke by telephone on December 17, 2025, just days after a devastating terrorist attack shook a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The attack, which Australian police say was inspired by Islamic State, left 15 people dead, including a 10-year-old child, and sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide. The call between the Pope and the Israeli president, initiated by Herzog, came at a moment of shared grief and reflection for both faiths: the Jewish community was lighting the fourth Hanukkah candle, while Christians were preparing for Christmas, according to the Vatican press office.
The Vatican’s statement following the conversation underscored the gravity of the moment. "During the conversation, in light of the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, the Holy Father reiterated the Catholic Church's firm condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism, which, throughout the world, continues to sow fear in Jewish communities and in society as a whole," the Holy See Press Office said. Pope Leo XIV’s words echoed a growing chorus of international condemnation and a renewed focus on combating hatred and violence targeting Jewish people.
The attack itself unfolded on December 14, 2025, as families gathered on Sydney’s iconic beach to mark Hanukkah. Australian police quickly identified the shooting as an act inspired by Islamic State. Sajid Akram, age 50, was shot dead by police at the scene. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was also shot by police and emerged from a coma on December 16, 2025. According to a court filing the following day, Naveed Akram was charged and remains under heavy police guard in a Sydney hospital.
The violence drew swift responses from leaders around the globe. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at a Hanukkah event at the White House on December 16, offered his condolences: "We join in mourning all of those who were killed, and we're praying for the swift recovery of the wounded." Israeli President Herzog, in a statement, sought to rally and reassure his people: "Even in the face of terror and tragedy, let's not forget: We are the eternal people. The Jewish people are strong, resilient, and united, and our message is clear: The Hanukkah lights must go on and will be lit all over the world, especially in Bondi Beach in Sydney and all over Australia."
Back in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese found himself under fire. Critics argued that his center-left government had not done enough to prevent the spread of antisemitism in Australia during the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Responding to the criticism, Albanese pledged, "We will work with the Jewish community; we want to stamp out and eradicate antisemitism from our society." His comments signaled a recognition of the growing anxiety among Australian Jews and the broader need for decisive action against hate crimes.
Pope Leo XIV’s engagement with President Herzog was not limited to the condemnation of antisemitism. The Vatican statement noted that the Pope "renewed his appeal for perseverance in the various ongoing peace processes in the region and emphasized the urgency of intensifying and continuing efforts in the area of humanitarian aid." This call for peace and humanitarian support comes at a time of renewed tension and hardship in the Middle East.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025, Israel has continued to conduct limited military operations in Gaza, according to the United Nations and multiple news accounts. The situation on the ground remains dire, particularly for displaced families. On December 15, 2025, the UN aid coordination office reported significant difficulties in getting relief supplies into Gaza. Winter storms have only worsened these already harsh living conditions, making the need for aid even more acute.
Pope Leo’s concern for the humanitarian crisis is consistent with his previous appeals for peace and dialogue. When he met President Herzog at the Vatican on September 4, 2025, the two leaders discussed the importance of interfaith solidarity and the urgent need for reconciliation in the region. The Pope’s repeated emphasis on humanitarian aid and perseverance in peace processes reflects the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue and supporting those affected by conflict.
After the tragic events in Sydney, Pope Leo offered prayers for the victims and condemned all expressions of antisemitism, stating, "Enough with these forms of anti-Semitic violence! We must eradicate hatred from our hearts." This call to action was echoed in a message sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, to Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney. "With renewed hope that those tempted to violence will undergo conversion and seek the path of peace and solidarity, His Holiness prays for the healing of those still recovering as well as consolation for those grieving the loss of a loved one," Parolin wrote on behalf of the Pope.
The attack in Sydney has reignited conversations about the persistence of antisemitism, not only in Australia but around the world. Jewish communities have reported rising fears as incidents of hate and violence continue to make headlines. The Pope’s unequivocal condemnation and his call for the eradication of hatred are part of a broader push by religious and political leaders to confront this age-old scourge head-on.
The events at Bondi Beach also highlight the complex interplay between global conflicts and local acts of violence. The ongoing Israel-Gaza war has fueled tensions far beyond the Middle East, with diaspora communities often bearing the brunt of backlash and prejudice. Australian authorities, now under increased scrutiny, have pledged to work more closely with Jewish organizations to ensure safety and foster a climate of tolerance.
As the world’s attention turns to the dual observances of Hanukkah and Christmas, the messages from Pope Leo XIV, President Herzog, and other leaders resonate with special urgency. The shared grief and solidarity in the wake of the Sydney attack serve as a reminder of the work that remains to be done to combat hatred and build bridges between communities. The Pope’s appeal for peace and humanitarian aid, coupled with his unwavering condemnation of antisemitism, offers a path forward—one rooted in compassion, resilience, and the hope for a more just and peaceful world.
In the aftermath of tragedy, the determination to keep the Hanukkah lights burning in Sydney and across the globe stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people and the universal longing for peace and understanding.
