JERUSALEM — Beitar “Geshem” Jerusalem announced it will honor the victims of the deadly terror attack in Sydney by wearing black armbands and holding a Hanukkah candle lighting ahead of Monday night’s match against Bnei Sakhnin. The gesture comes as Jewish communities around the world continue to grapple with the shock and grief following the antisemitic attack on a public Hanukkah celebration in Australia.
The club said the decision was taken in response to the attack, which took place Sunday night in Sydney during a Hanukkah menorah lighting attended by members of the Jewish community. Multiple people were murdered and others wounded in what authorities have described as a targeted act of violence. The attack has been widely condemned by Jewish organizations and political leaders internationally.
In a statement released Monday, Beitar Jerusalem said its players would take the field wearing black armbands as a sign of mourning and solidarity with Australian Jewry and the broader Jewish Diaspora.
“Following the shocking terror attack that took place last night in Sydney, our soccer club has chosen to honor the memory of the victims and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Sydney and around the world,” the statement said.
The club added that the attack was the result of ongoing incitement against Jews and blatant antisemitism, underscoring growing concerns about the safety of Jewish communities even during religious celebrations meant to symbolize light, resilience, and continuity.
“Our hearts are with the Jewish community in the country, which had gathered to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah in an atmosphere of light and joy that quickly turned into tragedy,” the statement continued.
Before kickoff, Beitar Jerusalem will light the second candle of Hanukkah at the stadium. Representatives from local Chabad Houses are expected to be present, reflecting the role of Chabad emissaries who serve Jewish communities worldwide, often in challenging and dangerous environments.
The club specifically acknowledged the risks faced by Jewish emissaries abroad, noting that they frequently place themselves on the front lines to provide spiritual, communal, and practical support to Jews living far from Israel.
The statement named several of the victims killed in the Sydney attack, including Holocaust survivor Alex Kleitman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Matilda, age 10, Dan Elkaim, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Reuven Morrison, Peter Meagher, Tibor Weitzen, and Marika Fogani. The club also noted that the names of additional victims have not yet been released by authorities.
“We wish a full recovery to the wounded,” the statement said.
The public show of solidarity by Beitar Jerusalem reflects a broader pattern of responses from Israeli institutions following antisemitic attacks abroad. Israeli sports teams have previously marked moments of mourning or unity in response to terrorist attacks affecting Jewish communities overseas, viewing such gestures as expressions of shared national and peoplehood responsibility.
The Sydney attack has reignited global concern over rising antisemitism, particularly acts of violence targeting public Jewish events. Jewish organizations have repeatedly warned that antisemitic rhetoric and incitement can translate into real-world violence, especially when normalized in public discourse or online spaces.
Security around Jewish institutions and events has been heightened in several countries in the wake of the attack. Community leaders have emphasized the importance of visible solidarity alongside concrete measures to protect Jewish life.
Beitar Jerusalem concluded its statement with a message of unity and resolve, invoking a phrase that has become emblematic of Jewish resilience.
“Am Yisrael Chai,” the statement said.
