The government of Israel has issued a global security warning to its citizens abroad following the terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, cautioning against possible copycat assaults during Hanukkah celebrations.

In an official statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office advised Israelis overseas to avoid large public gatherings linked to the Jewish holiday, particularly events lacking strong security measures.

“Past incidents justify concerns about potential imitation attacks by terrorist sympathizers inspired by this event,” the statement said.

Israeli authorities also urged citizens to remain highly alert near synagogues, Jewish community centers, and locations associated with Israeli or Jewish life, and to immediately report any suspicious behavior or objects to local security forces.

The warning came after Australian police confirmed that the shooting in Sydney, which left 12 people dead and 29 injured, was a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.

The incident shocked the international community and prompted renewed security reviews in several countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a government meeting in Dimona:
“On August 17, about 4 months ago, I sent Prime Minister Albanese of Australia a letter in which I gave him warning that the Australian government's policy was promoting and encouraging antisemitism in Australia pic.twitter.com/lZZDFsa91W

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 14, 2025

Speaking at a Hanukkah event at Israel’s National Police Academy, Netanyahu stated: “We know there will be more attacks. The safest place for the Jewish people is where the government, the military, and security forces protect them — the State of Israel.”

His remarks underscored growing concerns within the Israeli government about the safety of Jewish communities abroad.

Suspension in Russia for Hanukkah

The repercussions of the attack were also felt in Eastern Europe. In Moscow, Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar announced the cancellation of public Hanukkah celebrations, marking the first time since 1991 — the year the Soviet Union collapsed — that the holiday will not be publicly observed in the Russian capital.

Local reports said the decision was driven by security concerns following the Sydney attack.

Israeli officials emphasized that they will continue to closely monitor global developments and coordinate with allied governments to strengthen protection for Jewish communities during the remaining days of the festival.