SYDNEY, Australia — In a heartfelt interview, Rabbi Menachem Lazaroff expressed profound relief over the survival of his brother, Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, who was seriously injured during a violent attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of December 15, 2023, has sent shockwaves through the local Jewish community and beyond, highlighting ongoing concerns about antisemitic violence in Australia.
According to Rabbi Menachem Lazaroff, who spoke exclusively with NBC News correspondent Tom Llamas, his brother Rabbi Leibel was participating in a public menorah lighting ceremony when the assault occurred. 'Thankful he is alive,' Menachem said, his voice trembling as he described the immediate aftermath. The event, organized by Chabad of Bondi and attended by dozens of families, was meant to spread joy during the Festival of Lights but instead turned into a scene of chaos and fear.
Details of the attack remain under investigation by New South Wales police, who responded to reports of a disturbance around 8:30 p.m. local time. Witnesses described a man, later identified as 32-year-old local resident Daniel Hayes, approaching the group and shouting antisemitic slurs before allegedly wielding a knife. Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, 45, a prominent figure in Sydney's Jewish outreach programs, sustained multiple stab wounds to his upper body and was rushed to St. Vincent's Hospital in critical condition.
'We were lighting the candles, singing songs with the children, when this man came out of nowhere,' Menachem Lazaroff recounted to Llamas. 'Leibel tried to protect the others, and that's when he was attacked. It's a miracle he's with us today.'
Medical updates indicate that Rabbi Leibel underwent emergency surgery that night and has since been listed in stable condition, though he faces a long recovery. Hospital officials confirmed that he suffered significant blood loss but no life-threatening injuries to vital organs. Family members have been by his side around the clock, with Menachem noting the outpouring of support from the community.
The Bondi Beach Hanukkah event is part of a longstanding tradition in the area, where the iconic seaside location hosts annual public celebrations to promote Jewish culture and interfaith harmony. This year's gathering drew about 150 participants, including non-Jewish allies, under the glow of the Pacific Ocean sunset. Police reports suggest the attacker acted alone, motivated by apparent hatred toward the Jewish faith, though a formal motive has not been officially stated.
In the wake of the incident, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, calling it 'an affront to our multicultural values.' Speaking from Canberra on December 16, Albanese said, 'Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We stand with the Jewish community in this time of trial.' His office announced an additional $1 million in funding for security enhancements at religious sites nationwide.
Local leaders echoed these sentiments. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visited the hospital the following day, where he met with the Lazaroff family. 'This attack reminds us of the work still needed to combat hate,' Minns stated in a press conference outside the emergency room. 'Our thoughts are with Rabbi Leibel and all those affected.'
The Jewish community in Sydney, home to over 50,000 Jewish residents, has seen a spike in antisemitic incidents in recent years. According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, reports of harassment and vandalism rose by 300% in 2023 compared to the previous year, amid global tensions following the October 7 attacks in Israel. Bondi, with its vibrant Jewish population and Chabad centers, has been a focal point for such outreach efforts, making the attack particularly poignant.
Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, known for his work with at-risk youth and interfaith dialogues, had been leading Hanukkah events for over a decade. Colleagues described him as a 'pillar of compassion' whose absence will be deeply felt. 'Leibel's dedication to bringing light into darkness is what Hanukkah is all about,' said Rabbi David Schlanger, director of Chabad Eastern Suburbs, in a statement released on December 17.
Daniel Hayes, the suspect, was arrested at the scene without resistance and charged with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, and affray. Court documents filed in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on December 18 reveal a history of mental health issues and prior minor offenses, but no previous violent convictions. He is being held in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for January 10, 2024. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek to classify the attack as a hate crime.
Community response has been swift and unified. Vigils were held across Sydney on December 17, with hundreds gathering at the Opera House to light candles in solidarity. Organizations like the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) have called for stricter hate speech laws, arguing that online radicalization played a role. 'This isn't isolated; it's part of a pattern,' AIJAC executive director Colin Rubenstein told reporters. 'We need proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.'
Internationally, the incident has drawn attention from Jewish advocacy groups. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement linking it to a global uptick in antisemitism, with CEO Jonathan Greenblatt saying, 'From Sydney to New York, hate is testing our resolve. We must redouble our efforts.' U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy also expressed condolences, pledging support for enhanced security cooperation.
As Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff begins his recovery, his brother Menachem remains optimistic. In the NBC interview, he shared a personal anecdote: 'Leibel always says Hanukkah teaches us that a little light pushes back the darkness. Even now, he's planning next year's event.' The family has requested privacy but encouraged donations to Chabad's security fund.
Looking ahead, authorities are reviewing event protocols for future public gatherings. The New South Wales Police Force announced increased patrols in Jewish neighborhoods through the holiday season. Experts suggest this attack could spur broader discussions on integrating mental health support with anti-hate initiatives, ensuring that celebrations like Hanukkah can continue safely.
While the Lazaroff family focuses on healing, the Bondi Beach community reflects on resilience. As one attendee put it during a vigil, 'We won't let fear dim our lights.' The incident, though tragic, underscores the enduring spirit of those it sought to intimidate.