UWC President Paul Grod’s statement on the Bondi Beach massacre in Australia

On behalf of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and our global Ukrainian community, I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones of all those whose lives were taken or forever changed in the horrific massacre at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. This brutal act of terror, carried out during a peaceful Hanukkah celebration, has devastated a community and shocked the world.

Having visited Bondi Beach with my family, I am deeply shaken that a place of such natural beauty and harmony has now become the site of unimaginable horror. This tragedy is a reminder of the urgent need for all nations to confront and counter the spread of hate in every form.

Today, societies everywhere are witnessing a rise in violent extremism, from antisemitic attacks, such as this one, to hate‑based violence against Ukrainian refugees, which is dramatically increasing across parts of Eastern Europe. These trends are not isolated. Many are fueled by deliberate campaigns of disinformation and hatred, much of it state‑sponsored by regimes such as Russia and Iran, with the aim of inciting ethnic hatred, destabilizing democratic nations and eroding global solidarity in moments of crisis.

In recent months, I have heard deeply troubling reports during my visits to Eastern Europe about the growing anti‑Ukrainian sentiment driven by Russia’s ongoing information warfare, aimed at weakening international support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and its very right to exist.

We call on governments and authorities around the world to significantly strengthen their efforts to combat hate speech, extremist ideology, and state‑sponsored disinformation. Without firm and coordinated action, hatred will continue to manifest in violence against communities gathered in celebration, against refugees seeking safety, and against nations fighting for freedom.

Today, we stand with Australia, with the Jewish community, and with all those grieving this horrific loss.

May the victims’ memories be eternal, and may their families find comfort and strength during this time of profound sorrow.

Vichnaya Pamyat.