Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a message to Australian Jews on Sunday following the deadly terror attack that struck Sydney during a Chanukah celebration, leaving at least 12 dead.

Speaking from the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, Herzog said the attack is not only an assault on a local community but on Jews everywhere.

“On behalf of the State of Israel, I send my deepest condolences to the Jewish community of Australia after today’s horrific terror attack,” Herzog said. “These vile terrorists deliberately targeted innocent Jewish families celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.”

The president said the attackers sought to extinguish both lives and meaning on a night that symbolizes Jewish endurance and faith.

“They wanted to light a big light,” Herzog said, invoking the central theme of Chanukah. “The people of Israel stand together with all of you in this very dark and difficult moment.”

Herzog emphasized that the response to terror must be unity and resilience, not fear.

“Even in the face of terror and tragedy, let’s not forget: we are the eternal people,” he said. “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.”

He made specific reference to Sydney, saying the lights of Chanukah would continue to shine “especially in Bondi Beach in Sydney and all over Australia.”

“In Australia, in Israel, and around the world, the Jewish people — the eternal people — will continue to bring light into the world and overcome this terrible darkness,” Herzog said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)