New Jersey Boosts Security at Synagogues Following Deadly Antisemitic Attack in Australia

TRENTON, N.J.  (VINnews)— New Jersey officials have increased security at synagogues and Jewish community events statewide in response to a deadly terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, that killed at least 15 people.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced the heightened measures Monday, emphasizing there are no known threats to New Jersey but acting out of caution as Hanukkah continues.

“I am horrified by the cowardly terrorist attack that took place during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia,” Murphy said in a statement.

Platkin described the incident as an “appalled and outraged” antisemitic terrorist attack.

The shooting occurred Sunday at Bondi Beach during a public Hanukkah event hosted by Chabad of Bondi. Australian authorities have labeled it a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community, with a father-and-son team responsible for the massacre using long-barreled guns.

Jewish leaders in New Jersey, including those at the Jersey Shore, said events would proceed with enhanced law enforcement presence but vowed not to back down.

“Don’t think people are backing down. They are continuing,” said Shlomo Schoor, director of Agudah of New Jersey.

Similar precautionary increases in security have been reported in New York, Washington, D.C., and other areas with significant Jewish populations.

The attack in Australia has drawn international condemnation, with Jewish organizations calling it a foreseeable escalation amid rising antisemitism.