U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), the author of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2021, has condemned a recent antisemitic terrorist attack that took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. During a Hanukkah celebration, attackers opened fire, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people, including children and elderly individuals, and injuring dozens more.
“My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and the entire Australian Jewish community enduring this unimaginable tragedy, and my wife, Marie, and I pray for the swift recovery of the wounded. The savagery and cruelty of this attack on Jewish families echoes the worst antisemitic violence we’ve seen since the October 7th Hamas atrocity. It is a stark reminder of the truly dark nature of the spiritual cancer of antisemitism that metastasizes around the world,” said Smith.
“I commend the extraordinary courage of the bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen—he saved many lives.”
Smith has a long history advocating against antisemitism through legislation and congressional hearings. He called for urgent international action to address hatred against Jewish communities.
In accordance with Smith’s law passed in 2021, President Trump nominated Yehuda Kaploun last April to serve as Special Envoy with ambassadorial rank. This position is tasked with advising and coordinating efforts across U.S. government agencies regarding monitoring and combating anti-Semitism internationally.
Smith noted that “Nearly nine months later, the U.S. Senate may finally confirm Yehuda Kaploun.”
President Trump stated on Truth Social: “I am proud to nominate Yehuda Kaploun as the United States Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Ambassador-at-Large.
“Yehuda is a successful businessman, and staunch advocate for the Jewish Faith and the Rights of his people to live and worship free from persecution. With Anti-Semitism dangerously on the rise, Yehuda will be the strongest Representative for Americans and Jews across the Globe, and promote PEACE…”
Smith added: “Antisemitism in all its forms—whether fueled by extremist ideologies, biased institutions, like the United Nations, or unchecked rhetoric—must be confronted and defeated wherever it rears its ugly head. The United States must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies, including and especially Israel, to ensure Jewish communities can practice their faith openly and without fear. I urge leaders worldwide to redouble efforts to counter this rising tide of hate, including through enhanced security measures and accountability for those who incite or perpetrate such crimes.”
Chris Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson (https://chrissmith.house.gov/biography/). He was born in Rahway in 1953 and currently resides in Manchester Township. Smith graduated from The College of New Jersey in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
