WASHINGTON \u2013 In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemned the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Australia as Hanukkah begins, as well as the shooting at Brown University.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Skokie, Illinois, just a few miles north of Chicago, is America\u2019s second largest Holocaust Museum. Those who visit see thousands of artifacts from victims and survivors and their families. And there is one lesson that every visitor takes away: All who walk through its doors learn the importance of tolerance\u2014the need to choose love over hate. I have been reflecting on this lesson in the wake of two awful acts of violence that took place this past weekend,\u201d said Durbin.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn Sunday night in Australia, as hundreds of people gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, two men opened fire on the crowd. The attendees at Bondi Beach were targeted simply for one reason: they were Jewish. They were out to celebrate their faith. At least 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured. I am offering my prayers for the victims and their families. I am thankful for the heroic actions of both first responders and civilians to end the gunmen\u2019s rampage. This act of horrific violence is a grim reminder that we cannot stop combatting antisemitism. This tragedy occurred just hours after Brown University here in the United States experienced its own mass shooting.\u201d continued Durbin.<\/p>\n
Durbin then offered acknowledgment and support to two men who exhibited tremendous bravery at these horrific events.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIn the aftermath of these two tragedies, I am in awe of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by those caught up in these attacks. One of them, Ahmed al Ahmed, tackled one of the shooters at Bondi Beach, saving countless lives. He is now undergoing surgery, and I wish him a swift and full recovery. Another, Spencer Yang, after being shot in the leg, continued to help one of his fellow students at Brown hide from the gunman. To Spencer, too, I wish full and swift recovery. Ahmed, Spencer, and countless others should never be put in these unimaginable situations. And yet, their selfless acts in the face of such violence are the ultimate demonstrations of love\u2014a willingness to risk their own lives to save a stranger,\u201d said Durbin.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we seek to address the scourge of antisemitism and gun violence, may we act in the path of these brave bystanders\u2014who in crisis chose humanity and love over violence and hate<\/a>,\u201d Durbin concluded.<\/p>\n Video of Durbin\u2019s speech on the Senate floor is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Audio of Durbin\u2019s speech on the Senate floor is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n