Bondi Beach & Oct 7 attacks are linked by 'hatred of Jewish people’, IDF Chief Zamir says at Hanukkah ceremony

Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said on Wednesday evening that the wave of antisemitic attacks around the world in recent days is a campaign “against the entire Jewish people.” 

“This evening, as we light the [Hanukkah] candles, our hearts also beat for our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora – and in particular for the Jewish community in Sydney,” Lt.-Gen. Zamir said, noting that he had previously visited the community there. 

“We mourn the murdered, strengthen and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded,” Zamir continued. “The antisemitic terrorist attack there reminds us: the campaign that began on Oct. 7 is against the entire Jewish people.” 

The IDF chief also sent a warning to the countries that harbor and support Islamic terror organizations, saying they will “pay an increasingly expensive price.” 

“We draw lessons, but I also send a clear warning from here – countries that do not fight to suppress Islamic fundamentalist, extremist terrorist organizations that are filled with hatred, spreading false propaganda on social media – those countries will pay an increasingly expensive price,” Zamir stated. 

He also warned Western nations against ignoring or downplaying the threat of Islamic terror, noting that Israel has been fighting that same threat since Oct. 7. 

“Anyone who believes they can close their eyes and ignore the danger – the danger will penetrate them,” Zamir warned. “Terrorism like we saw in Sydney will spread to other places – now is the time for joint action that will bring about the distinction between good and evil and the victory of light over darkness – the IDF has been on this front since October 7.” 

The Chief of Staff spoke of the IDF’s role in guarding the Jewish State from external threats, a common theme in the Hanukkah season. 

“The IDF will continue to stand guard over Jewish existence, protect all citizens of Israel, and maintain the security of the Jewish state,” Zamir vowed. “With the lighting of the Hanukkah candles, we will remember the heroism of the Maccabees; we will carry their spirit and continue to fight in the light of their path and their legacy. We will continue to stand behind every warrior, both male and female, on the battlefield and in building their future.” 

Zamir said that Israel’s enemies had mistaken the social unrest in the time before the war as a sign of weakness. 

The military chief described how Israeli society rose together to the challenge posed by Oct. 7. 

“From the severe failure, Israeli society rose in all its glory: an unparalleled mobilization – citizens, soldiers, and commanders who rushed to the front without hesitation; reservists who left home for hundreds of days of combat; communities, organizations; and hundreds of companies in the economy that stepped in to help and strengthen at the moment of truth,” he related. 

“Israel has proven once again that its resilience is not just military – it is social,” Zamir stated. “Our enemies were mistaken in thinking that the Israeli homefront is our weak point. They did not understand that it is actually the source of our strength.” 

Zamir’s comments came during a candle lighting event at The Association for Israel’s Soldiers, celebrating 20 years of Project “Courageous Fighter.”

“Courageous Fighter” is a social engagement project designed to support the IDF's combatant system, by connecting companies and private donors from Israel and around the world with combat units. The name of the program is based on a play on words of the Hebrew word for “courageous” and the word for “adopt”, which sound similar. 

In the program, companies adopt a unit and provide support for various needs of the unit, including supporting the families of soldiers involved in lengthy deployments.