‘Our Children are Being Hunted’: Opposition Leader Sussan Ley Breaks Down as She Calls for Urgent Action on Antisemitism Following Brutal Bondi Terror Attack
- Opposition Leader Sussan Ley demands Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recall parliament to address antisemitism before Christmas
- Ley tearfully speaks about Alex Kleytman, the 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who died in the Bondi attack, saying “he survived the tragedy of the Holocaust, but he could not survive the crisis of antisemitism in Australia”
- Ley accuses the prime minister of failing to act and listen to the Jewish community, saying “more should have been done, more should have been done”
The Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has made an emotional plea for the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to recall parliament before Christmas to address the growing issue of antisemitism in Australia. Her call to action comes in the wake of the devastating Bondi terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 people, including 10-year-old Matilda, who was farewelled at a funeral service in Sydney today.
Ley, visibly shaken, spoke about the tragic loss of Alex Kleytman, the 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who died in the Bondi attack. “He survived the tragedy of the Holocaust, but he could not survive the crisis of antisemitism in Australia, the land that gave him refuge and gave him hope,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
The Opposition Leader lambasted the prime minister for his inaction, saying “more should have been done, more should have been done”. Ley’s address comes just hours after she attended the funeral of Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi terror attack. The 10-year-old’s mother was comforted by supporters as the service began with a tribute to a little girl who “loved the outdoors and animals”.
Ley is demanding the prime minister take immediate action to protect Jewish Australians and all Australians from the growing threat of antisemitism. “A show of genuine leadership cannot be delayed any further. The time for words is finished, and the Albanese government must act decisively to keep Jewish Australians and all Australians safe,” she urged.
The NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced that the state’s parliament would be recalled before Christmas to deal with “urgent legislation” on firearms, following the revelation that five people in the state have more than 200 guns. However, Ley is calling for more decisive action from the federal government, saying “this is not the time for excuses”.
The debate comes as hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell Tibor Weitzen, a 78-year-old father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who reportedly died shielding his loved ones during the attack. Weitzen’s family described him as full of life, and his granddaughter Leor Amzalak remembered him as “truly the best you could ask for”.
The community is reeling from the tragedy, with false information and conspiracy theories spreading online. Meanwhile, a high-profile Jewish bakery in Sydney has closed its doors, citing two years of almost ceaseless antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and intimidation.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, Ley’s emotional plea has highlighted the urgent need for action to address the growing issue of antisemitism in Australia. Will the prime minister heed her call and take decisive action to protect the community?
