Leaders of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, law enforcement and state and local officials gathered Monday to address a deadly terrorist attack carried out on an Australian beach over the weekend.
Two gunmen, a father and son, opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration Sunday, killing 15 people and wounding dozens more. The incident was Australia’s deadliest shooting in more than three decades and has spread fear among Jewish communities around the world.
In Omaha, rabbis called for unity and local leaders offered their support at a press conference Monday afternoon. Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Col. Bryan Waugh said that while currently known threats, local and federal law enforcement partners “remain vigilant.”
“We recommend citizens maintain heightened awareness while attending religious services and community gatherings and call 911 to report anything suspicious,” Waugh said.
The call for vigilance was echoed by Andrew Mitchell, an assistant special agent in charge with the FBI’s Omaha office. In most mass shooting events, someone close to the offender often noticed concerning behaviors prior to the attack, Mitchell said.
Jewish Federation of Omaha Chief Executive Officer Bob Goldberg called the shooting an act of antisemitic terrorism.
“We will grow and we will flourish here in Omaha in North America, in Israel and around the world,” Goldberg said. “Our community will never retreat in the face of hatred, and we will never refrain from carrying on our Jewish traditions.”
The violence was carried out on Bondi Beach, a popular gathering place near Sydney. Thousands were on the beach and hundreds were in attendance for Chanukah by the Sea, an event celebrating the start of Hanukkah.
One gunman, a 50-year-old man, was fatally shot by police. His 24-year-old son was wounded and was being treated at a hospital, New South Wales police reported Sunday.