BBUK statement on the Bondi Beach attack
LN040417 • December 14, 2025
B’nai B’rith UK is devastated to hear of the appalling slaughter at the ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ event at Bondi Beach. We understand that 12 people have been killed and we would like to wish their families a long life, as well as a speedy recovery to the injured. Our thoughts are with the Jewish community in Australia at a time when so many were celebrating a festival of light and joy. For two years, there has been a tsunami of hatred directed at Jews in Australia, as there has been around the world. The authorities must tackle this scourge of hatred and prejudice with robust measures rather than words.
Dr Jeremy Havardi
Director, Bureau of International Affairs
B'nai B'rith UK is appalled by the latest act of violence perpetrated against the Jewish community in London. The two Jewish men who were stabbed in Golders Green this morning, one in his 70s and another in his 30s, are in stable condition in hospital and we wish them a speedy recovery. We also salute the bravery of those who responded so quickly and prevented a greater act of violence. While we welcome the decision of the police to declare this a terrorist incident and of the Prime Minister to convene Cobra, we know that words alone are insufficient. The repeated attacks on the Jewish community are now a national emergency which requires a fully co-ordinated response from the police, intelligence services and the government. Given that an Iran linked group has now claimed responsibility for the attack, it is high time that the UK took some meaningful actions. It is essential to immediately proscribe the IRGC, shut down media stations that disseminate Iranian propaganda and investigate all those charities, schools and organisations that cover for the regime. There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism and antizionism and for all those who use political slogans to hide their malign intent. These attacks are fundamentally an affront to British values and to all those who cherish tolerance and decency. Thus, unless this threat is dealt with, it is not just the Jewish community that will suffer but the UK as a whole. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs
Bureau of International Affairs Zoom Meeting with Daniel Ben Ami
At this difficult time, National President Alan Miller's latest newsletter reports on B'nai B'rith responses here in the UK and worldwide, together with updates from Israel and Ukraine and news from our Lodges.
BB International have just published the Soring 2026 edition of their IMPACT REPORT - here is the list of contents:
B’nai B’rith UK is shocked and appalled by the arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green last night. Hatzola serves an essential role in our community, saving life and tending to the injured, and such an attack is both cowardly and reprehensible. The incident is rightly being treated as an antisemitic hate crime and we hope that the police bring the perpetrators to justice. It is equally a horrific assault on core British values and freedoms. As Jews face an unprecedented surge in antisemitism, this attack illustrates once again the need for security and vigilance within the Jewish community. We thank the police and the CST for their efforts at this time and will continue to work with them to keep our community safe. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs
B’nai B’rith UK has been closely following the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East this weekend. We will shed no tears for Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei, a man who served as the figurehead of an evil regime which has brutally repressed its own population and exported terror around the world. It is clear that the latest outbreak of war with Iran is inevitable, given the regime’s failure to accept the elimination of its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missiles. The Islamic Republic remains a major threat to the stability and security of the Middle East, as well as the UK, while it continues to seek Israel’s elimination. It has also committed unspeakable crimes against its own people, not just since the start of this year but for several decades. The people of Iran deserve a better future, free from tyranny and oppression, and we continue to stand in solidarity with them. Our thoughts are also with the people of Israel who are being forced into underground shelters because of Iranian attacks. We all look forward to a future in which the Israeli and Iranian peoples can stand together as friends and allies once again. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs
B'nai B'rith in action
Bureau of International Affairs Zoom Meeting with Dr Emanuele Ottolenghi
B'nai B'rith welcomes the return of Ran Gvili's body to Israel, fulfilling Israel's sacred mission to bring home all hostages from Gaza. Such news brings mixed emotions, given that Ran never had the chance to be reunited with his family in life, but we are thankful that he has been laid to rest. We are reminded of the immense sacrifices Israel makes to safeguard its citizens and the heavy price it must pay for peace. World leaders must now insist on the next phases of the plan for Gaza. They must demand the disarming of Hamas and the deradicalisation of Palestinian society, allowing new leadership to emerge that can genuinely build a better future for the inhabitants of that shattered enclave. We look forward to advocating a new pathway for Israelis and Palestinians that can bring both peoples peace, justice and prosperity. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs
B'nai B'rith UK salutes the courage and defiance shown by millions of brave Iranians as they take to the streets against their government. It is now clear that the demonstrations and protests are taking place in hundreds of cities across all of Iran's provinces as ordinary people vent their fury at an oppressive and tyrannical regime. They oppose Iran's economic mismanagement and corruption but also its strategy of spreading terror throughout the Middle East in the service of a hateful ideology. So many of these people want better relations with the West, especially with Israel, and lament their country's isolation on the international stage. But right now, they face a draconian crackdown that has reportedly claimed dozens of lives, though the true figure may not be known due to censorship. We call on all western governments to show solidarity with these brave Iranian citizens and condemn their government's murderous response. We call on the UK government to proscribe the IRGC and sanction all other state entities that spread terror. We look forward to the day when Iranians can express themselves as a free nation and co-operate with their neighbours in a new era of regional peace and prosperity. Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs
