WASHINGTON, D.C. December 15, 2025 – U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has issued a strong call for unity and against hate in all forms following a recent attack on Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia, where a Muslim man heroically intervened to disarm the assailant.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on December 15, Sanders highlighted the actions of Ahmed al Ahmed, described as a Muslim father of two, who “risked his life to disarm a murderer who was shooting down Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney.”
“Religion must not divide our common humanity,” Sanders wrote. “We must stand together and end antisemitism, Islamophobia and all hate — no exceptions.”
The post quickly garnered significant attention, amassing thousands of likes, reposts, and replies, reflecting widespread discussion on rising global tensions involving religious and ethnic communities.
While details of the Sydney incident remain limited in public reports, Sanders’ message emphasizes shared humanity amid reports of targeted violence. The senator, a longtime advocate for human rights and against discrimination, used the example to underscore the need for collective action against bigotry.
Reactions to the post were mixed, with supporters praising Sanders for promoting decency and interfaith solidarity, while critics debated broader issues of immigration, security, and religious extremism. Some replies questioned the framing of the incident or called for stronger condemnations of specific threats.
Sanders’ statement aligns with his consistent stance against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, as global concerns over such incidents continue to grow.
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