Hanukkah is a feast celebrating a miraculous event in Jewish history but it is now become a time when Jews worry about antisemitic attacks

The ugly face of antisemitism is showing once again | EDITORIAL published in the Baltimore Sun newspaper.

Australia was brutally shaken by its deadliest terror attack in modern history when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah🕎 celebration at popular Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 40. 

Tragically, the horrible assault, allegedly carried out by a father and son, targeted Sydney’s Jewish community, gathered at Archer Park, turning a moment of joy into horror and grief. 

Authorities quickly declared the massacre an antisemitic act of terrorism, underscoring the vulnerability of minority communities even in nations long considered safe.

During this difficult time, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Jewish✡️ communities in Baltimore and across the globe. Antisemitism is a scourge that should have been consigned to history long ago, especially in light of the atrocities of World War II. Yet here we are, still confronting the same poisonous hatred that once fueled one of humanity’s darkest chapters. The persistence of this prejudice is a moral failure and a warning that silence and complacency allow old hatreds to resurface in new forms.

We must also encourage everyone to pay close attention to the significant voices in our media who have little or nothing to say about this atrocity. Silence in the face of such violence is complicity, full stop. And online, particularly in fringe circles, there are many who would prefer this story to vanish quickly, swept under the rug so they can continue peddling false and damaging narratives about Israel and the Jewish people. Their omission is part of a broader effort to distort reality, to minimize Jewish suffering and to redirect public outrage toward manufactured grievances.

Let this also serve as a warning to those who have taken the bait from individuals insisting that conspiracy theorizing about Israel is somehow separate from antisemitism. In fact, the truth is that they are inseparable. Extremists consistently hold all Jews accountable for fabricated grievances against Israel, collapsing the distinction between legitimate policy criticism and outright prejudice. Criticisms of the Israeli government are one thing; they belong in the realm of democratic debate. But, the conspiratorial narratives we have seen lately push far beyond that boundary, implicating Jews worldwide in the decisions of a single democratic government. This distortion is truly the oldest form of scapegoating dressed up in modern rhetoric.

Make no mistake: There are forces in this world, particularly concentrated in the Middle East, that openly seek Israel’s eradication. This is a stated ambition of extremist movements that thrive on hatred and violence. As Americans, we cannot accept such a reality. To do so would dishonor the sacrifice of our grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters who fought in World War II and betray the values of morality and justice that we hold dear. We must refuse to succumb to that hate, standing firm against those who would deny Israel’s right to exist and against the poisonous ideologies that fuel antisemitism worldwide.

The problem we face today is that social media has dismantled the barriers of traditional political discourse. Rhetoric that once remained confined to distant nations now flows seamlessly into American conversations, amplified by algorithms and shared without context. Free speech is a value we hold dear in this country, but it carries with it tremendous responsibility. That responsibility includes resisting the anti‑American and anti‑Jewish rhetoric that increasingly infiltrates our political discussions, often cloaked in slogans like “America First” or “Stop Genocide.” These mottos may sound patriotic or humanitarian, but in practice, they are frequently weaponized to disguise prejudice and to smuggle extremist narratives into mainstream debate.

For at least the past century, the United States has aspired to be the world’s leader in humanity, morality and human rights. That mantle has never been easy to carry, but it has defined our role in the global community. Today, our resolve is being tested in the very real struggle against antisemitism and extremist hate that threatens both our allies abroad and our neighbors at home.

We cannot shrink from this responsibility❗ To meet the moment means reaffirming our commitment to truth over conspiracy, solidarity over division, and courage over complacency. It means standing with Jewish communities everywhere, defending Israel’s right to exist and rejecting the poisonous ideologies that seek to erode our values. The free world is watching, and history will judge whether America rose to the challenge or faltered in the face of hate.

Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom.