Unholy: Two Jews on the News — Emergency Update: Terror Attack in Sydney
Date: December 14, 2025
Special Guest: Nomi Kaltmann

Episode Overview

This emergency episode provides an immediate reaction and in-depth discussion of the deadly terror attack on Bondi Beach, Sydney, targeting the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration. Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland are joined by Australian Jewish journalist and community leader Nomi Kaltmann, who gives a firsthand account of events and the shock reverberating through Australia’s Jewish community. The episode explores the context of antisemitism in Australia, community fears, and the global ramifications of the attack.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Attack at Bondi Beach

• Nature of the Attack:
  • Two gunmen targeted a Hanukkah party at Bondi Beach, resulting in at least a dozen deaths and dozens injured.
  • First mass shooting in Australia since 1996’s Port Arthur massacre, which led to strict gun laws.
  • Unique context: Hanukkah takes place in summer in Australia; the event was well attended and in a public, iconic setting.
  • The attack was labeled terrorism by Australian PM Anthony Albanese.

“A shooting event like this in Australia is unbelievably rare and it feels awful.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 01:43)

2. Immediate Community Reaction

• Shock and Trauma:
  • Nomi Kaltmann recounts the sudden realization of the attack via community WhatsApp and Facebook groups.
  • Widespread panic and fear within the Jewish community, with many directly affected or knowing the victims.

“I’m on WhatsApp groups with Tehilim, asking people to say prayers for the injured. I know people who are injured… it’s shocking, it’s unexpected, but it’s also just devastating.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 03:12)

• Long-building Anxiety:
  • Fears weren't new—since October 7th, and particularly after high-profile antisemitic events and attacks, the community had reported feeling unsafe.

“For months… Jews in Australia have been saying to our government, ‘We don’t feel safe.’... with a wishy-washy response.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 04:32)

3. Rising Antisemitism and Australia’s Response

• Prevalence and Escalation:
  • Antisemitic incidents have escalated: graffiti, arson, attacks on synagogues, police presence at Jewish schools.
  • Community frustrated at government inaction and lack of adequate response.

“I don't think Australia is putting everything it can behind dealing with this problem of antisemitism.” (Host, 05:12)

• Sense of Insecurity:
  • Jewish life increasingly feels ‘under siege’—security measures at schools and synagogues far beyond those for other Australian communities.
  • Discussion on the unfairness and loss of public Jewish expression.

“Why, as a Jew do I have to live like this? That’s not fair.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 08:16)

• Impact on Future Community Life:
  • Concerns about the viability of public Jewish events.
  • Uncertainty for future Hanukkah events; organizers considering cancellations.

4. Government and Political Response

• Criticism of Leadership:
  • Disappointment with the initial statement from PM Albanese, who omitted mentioning Hanukkah or antisemitism.
  • Desire for a "zero-tolerance" approach as demonstrated in other serious matters (e.g., COVID-19 response).

“We want to see a zero tolerance approach to antisemitism… not wishy washy answers.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 09:59)

• Political Climate:
  • The sense that recent elections giving the current government a strong mandate only intensifies community insecurity.

5. Speculation About Foreign Involvement

• Potential Iranian Link:
  • Past attacks on Jewish targets in Australia attributed to Iranian government activities.
  • Speculation and early investigation into whether this attack could be connected to Iran and geopolitical retaliation involving Israel.

“Is it possible it's an Iranian attack? Yes, it is possible… my bet would not be on the Australian government, it would be on Israel's intel.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 15:30)

6. Victims and Personal Impact on the Community

• Rabbi Eli Schlanger:
  • Identified among those killed; father of five, community leader, deeply involved in outreach.
  • Deep grief at the loss within the context of Hanukkah—a festival of light.

“Very hard to reconcile that someone who is so pure, so loving, so giving, does everything for community, gets murdered at the event of Hanukkah, which is supposed to spread light.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 17:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nomi Kaltmann on communal fear:

  “Am I stupid? I’m in my early 30s, I’ve got a whole life ahead of me. Do I want to really dedicate the next 30 years here to find out I was wrong and I needed to leave? Like, it’s scary.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 11:45)

• On Australian solidarity:

  “There were brave Australians… One of the terrorists is lying down, prone… a beach bum, dare I say, comes, he smacks the terrorist. Australians don’t like this kind of behavior. They don’t generally target Jews, but if you allow a growing sense of… complacency or slowness to deal with it, Jews know we are the canary in the coal mine.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 10:38)

• Reflection on Hanukkah’s message:

  “Even a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness… it’s hard to understand why God would choose for something like this terrible to happen to someone so pure and so good. But in his merit, hopefully there will be more light in the world.” (Nomi Kaltmann, 18:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 01:18: Introduction to the attack, statistics, and overview
• 01:19 – 02:57: Nomi Kaltmann’s firsthand account; rarity of gun violence in Australia
• 02:58 – 05:00: Real-time community reactions, fear, and direct impact
• 05:00 – 09:23: Rising antisemitism in Australia and implications for Jewish life
• 09:23 – 12:45: Government’s response, criticism, and societal complacency
• 12:45 – 14:25: Potential Iranian involvement and political/geopolitical context
• 16:14 – 18:36: Remembering Rabbi Eli Schlanger, communal loss, and Hanukkah’s significance
• 18:36 – End: Closing sentiments, hope for greater light amidst darkness

Tone and Closing Thoughts

The episode is sorrowful, urgent, and reflective, giving listeners an intimate window into a traumatized but resilient community. The hosts and Nomi Kaltmann speak plainly, at times emotionally, connecting the immediate tragedy to broader questions of belonging, safety, and political accountability for Jews in Australia.

“We hope for some light… tonight it is, as you say, the festival of Hanukkah. And there is a lot of darkness around, but we hope for some light.” (Host, 18:36)

For listeners seeking both the facts and emotional texture of this tragic moment, the episode provides essential context and communal perspective.