UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE – LEADERSHIP FOR PEACE
Statement by H.E Mr. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
15 December 2025
Thank you, President,
The topic of today’s debate – Leadership for Peace – is deeply personal for the people of Australia at this time, and I want to take this opportunity to reflect on this today.
On Sunday 14 December, Australia suffered a devastating terrorist attack at a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
A targeted assault on Jewish Australians on the first day of Chanukah, at an iconic Australian location, where people from all over the world were congregating in peace.
Sixteen people confirmed dead, dozens wounded.
Chanukah should be a celebration of peace and light vanquishing darkness.
Instead, all Australians are grieving today, as we extend our deepest condolences to everyone who lost someone they love.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I thank Member States and Secretary-General Guterres for your messages of condolence and solidarity.
Your support matters greatly.
President,
As Australia’s Prime Minister has said, this was an act of evil, antisemitic terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.
An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and our way of life.
There is no place for this vile antisemitism in Australia, or anywhere in the world.
President,
The Australian Government has acted to combat antisemitism in Australia.
We have funded improved security at Jewish community sites, and established Special Operation Avalite, a joint agency operation comprising police and security agencies to thwart antisemitic crimes.
We have appointed Australia’s first Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.
And we have sanctioned the white supremacist network Terrorgram, and passed the toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes.
President,
Australia will not be divided by hate or violence.
Australia’s strength lies in our unity and our diversity.
Our multicultural society is a source of pride – and resilience.
We are a country where leadership for peace is exemplified in the actions of everyday Australians.
Australians like Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two.
Originally from Syria, Ahmed has made his home in Australia for nearly twenty years.
And yesterday in Bondi, in the face of unimaginable terror, he ran towards one of the attackers, tackling and disarming him, and saving countless lives.
His father said: “he wasn't thinking about the background of the people he's saving... Especially here in Australia, there's no difference between one citizen and another."
Ahmed is the best of Australia. He is now undergoing surgery in hospital, and we hope for his full recovery, as we do for all the wounded.
President,
Australia remains firmly committed to working with the UN and our international partners to eradicate antisemitism and all forms of racism, hatred and intolerance.
And we look forward to working with the next Secretary-General to respond to these challenges, to prevent and resolve conflict, and help deliver a more effective United Nations and a more peaceful world.
I thank you.