U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) addressed the Senate on Tuesday to express his support for Jewish communities mourning the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach, Australia. The attack took place during what was intended to be the first public Chanukah menorah lighting of 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to dozens more, including police officers.
During his remarks, Scott read a letter written by his friend Scott Rechler to his family in response to the tragedy. In the letter, Rechler described the significance of Chanukah and reflected on the impact of rising antisemitism: “So each year, we light our own menorahs to remember that light can triumph over darkness, that courage and faith can outlast oppression, and that the smallest spark can ignite hope for generations.
“Tonight is the first night of Chanukah. It arrives during a moment that feels heavy and unsettling – a time when antisemitism is surging in ways I have never experienced in my lifetime.”
Rechler continued: “I had hoped that the recent movement toward peace in the Middle East and a reduction in protests might cool the temperature. Instead, it feels as though the ancient and ugly beast of antisemitism has been unleashed again, and it will not be easily forced back into the bottle.
“Earlier today [he’s talking about Sunday of course], that reality became heartbreakingly clear. Jews gathered at Bondi Beach in Australia to celebrate what would have been the first public Chanukah menorah lighting of 2025 anywhere in the world – a moment meant to symbolize light, unity, and hope. Instead, it became a scene of unimaginable horror. Two armed men opened fire on the gathering. At least 11 people were killed simply for being Jewish. Dozens more were wounded, including police officers. One attacker was killed, the other apprehended, but none of that changes the devastation left behind.
“The pain is overwhelming. The shock, the sadness, the anger – all of it sits heavily. But history has taught us something essential: our response matters just as much as our grief.
“The Jewish answer to darkness has never been retreat. It has always been light.
“Our response does not need to be loud or performative. It needs to be intentional, dignified, and deeply rooted in who we are. Let us [each] take on an extra mitzvah in memory of our holy brothers and sisters who were murdered simply because they were Jewish. A small act of goodness. A moment of kindness. An affirmation of life.
“If I may suggest one simple but powerful act: tonight, when we gather with family and friends, let us be especially mindful as we light the Chanukah menorah. The single candle we light on [this] first night represents more than tradition. It represents oneness. It represents resilience. It represents the unbroken chain of a people who refuse to let darkness define them.
“That small flame projects a message – quietly but unmistakably – that we are still here, that we are proud of who we are, and that we will continue, unapologetically, to share light with the world.
“Let us be who we are in the most beautiful way: proud Jews, joyful Jews, strong Jews – committed to goodness, justice, and life.
“Light does not diminish when it is shared. Light only grows.”
Senator Scott concluded by calling on Christians to show solidarity with Jewish communities during Chanukah: “This Chanukah season, let those of us – my words, not his – who are Christians, light a candle for our Jewish communities. For the strength of our Jewish communities. For the protection of our Jewish communities. And for God’s favor to shine on our Jewish communities.”
He also quoted Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”
Scott ended his statement expressing hope for unity in 2026: “May 2026 be the year that people of good intent stand strong with those who should not have to stand by themselves. May we as a nation, we as a people, and specifically we as Christians stand not just with the Jewish community but when possible and necessary, may we stand in front of the Jewish community.”
