New York City Mayor Eric Adams called on the city’s next mayor to take decisive action against antisemitism, drawing lessons from the December 14, 2025, Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, Australia, where two gunmen killed 15 Jewish attendees at a Hanukkah event.

Adams criticized the Australian government for failing to confront antisemitism with the seriousness it deserves, stating, “More than a dozen Jews are now dead. We cannot allow that failure to be repeated in our city.”

The mayor emphasized that New York’s next mayor must clearly define antisemitism and uphold the safeguards currently in place to protect the Jewish community. Adams specifically highlighted the importance of adhering to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definitions of antisemitism as a cornerstone of policy and law enforcement training.

By referencing the tragic Sydney attack, Adams sought to underline the need for proactive measures in American cities, warning that ambiguity or inaction could leave communities vulnerable. He stressed that defining antisemitism and enforcing protective measures are not only moral obligations but essential for public safety.

Adams’ remarks aim to influence the upcoming mayoral race, encouraging candidates to prioritize Jewish community security and implement comprehensive policies to prevent antisemitic violence in New York City.