December 16, 2025

Archdiocesan statement regarding antisemitic attack in Australia

Hanukkah is a festival marked by rejoicing, the lighting of the menorah each day, the sharing of stories, sweet treats and games. It is a festival of families and neighbors.

With deep sadness, we witness once again our Jewish brothers and sisters enduring yet another act of violence upon them simply because they are Jews. The most recent antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, not only has taken lives and left many injured, but it has left Jews worldwide suffering fear for their families, fear for their way of life, fear for their future.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis, in keeping with Jesus’ command of love and compassion, asks all Catholics in our archdiocese to follow the example of the Church universal in condemning this senseless act of violence. All Jews who live throughout the archdiocese deserve our respect and goodwill. And they need us to reach out to them in sharing their loss at this time. They need our prayer.

May the God who created us all, the God who made covenant with Adam, Noah, Jacob, Moses and David—and through Jesus with all humanity—move our hearts and actions to bring an end to antisemitic violence and hatred.

May we as a Church be peace. †

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