Two gunmen took her friend. She won’t let them take something else
Two Gunmen Took Her Friend. She Won’t Let Them Take Something Else
Two gunmen took her friend She won – On a rainy July morning, Nikki Goldstein and Rabbi Eli Schlanger exchanged words in a familiar pattern. Schlanger, a man of deep conviction and steady demeanor, leaned back in his chair, exhaled a breath, and smiled with childlike joy. “I’m completely happy,” he said, his voice carrying the warmth of contentment. Goldstein, a woman who often felt uneasy about her Jewish identity, leaned into their usual dynamic of philosophical banter. “What are you thinking?” she asked, prompting his response. “I love my wife and my children, and I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing. I’m completely on my path,” he replied, his words a testament to his faith and purpose.
Two weeks later, Schlanger’s words would be shattered by a brutal reality. The tranquil atmosphere of a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration turned into chaos as two ISIS-aligned attackers opened fire, killing Schlanger and 14 others. The event, meant to celebrate light over darkness, was marred by the sound of gunshots and the blaring sirens that signaled the tragedy. Goldstein, who had once joked that she was the only secular Jew Schlanger knew, found herself in a state of shock as news of the shooting spread. “Oh God, could be MY rabbi,” she texted a friend, her voice trembling with fear. The message was soon joined by others, detailing the violence and its far-reaching impact.
The Shifting Tides of Antisemitism
Antisemitism has long been regarded as “the world’s oldest virus of hate,” and its resurgence is now a pressing issue in the United States. The Bondi Beach attack, which occurred seven months prior, marked a turning point in how many Jewish Americans perceive their safety in public spaces. “Jews are starting to hide in this country,” said Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Jewish lawmaker from both major parties, during a recent television interview. His words reflect a growing trend: more Jewish individuals report concealing their Star of David necklaces and other symbols of identity, while armed guards now patrol synagogues and schools as a precaution.
“We’re just Jews,” Schlanger gently corrected Goldstein during their earlier conversation, a phrase that now feels like a warning.
Goldstein’s experience highlights the emotional toll of antisemitism. After the shooting, she collapsed into her husband’s arms, screaming as if the trauma had no end. The incident left her shaken, yet it also ignited a resolve to confront the rising tide of hatred. “It’s the new normal for Jews in America right now,” Moskowitz said, emphasizing the fear that has become embedded in the community. The same prejudice that once targeted Jews in Europe centuries ago is now finding new expressions in the US, fueled by conflicts in the Middle East and ideological debates.
Following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which claimed over 1,200 lives, the war in Gaza has intensified global tensions. The violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 72,000 Palestinians, according to reports, and has not only affected Israel but also sparked a wave of antisemitism across Europe and the United States. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) notes that assaults against Jews in the US reached a 46-year high last year, with 73% of Jews reporting antisemitic experiences online. These statistics underscore a reality where Jewish people are increasingly targeted, whether through physical violence or digital harassment.
The tragedy at Bondi Beach also reminds us of historical patterns. From medieval Europe, where Jews were branded as “Christ killers” and expelled, to the pogroms in Russia during the late 19th century, and the Jim Crow-era lynching of Leo Frank, antisemitism has consistently evolved yet remained rooted in prejudice. Nazi Germany’s Holocaust, which claimed six million Jewish lives, is perhaps the most infamous example of this hatred in action. Today, the same sentiment is being rekindled by political and social divides, creating a climate of unease for many.
A Personal Journey of Healing and Insight
Goldstein and Schlanger’s relationship, forged in the aftermath of the shooting, has become a beacon of hope. Their shared conversations, which initially unfolded in a hospital ICU, have since transformed into a profound exploration of faith, identity, and resilience. Goldstein, who had been hospitalized with pneumonia and placed on a ventilator, called her survival a miracle. Schlanger, too, credited his role in her recovery, though the circumstances were far from miraculous. “I blew a shofar, or ram’s horn, during her stay,” he said, a small act that symbolized the spiritual connection between them.
Together, they penned a new book titled “Conversations with My Rabbi: Timeless Teachings for a Fractured World.” The work delves into the lessons they learned from each other, blending personal anecdotes with universal wisdom. Goldstein’s journey from self-doubt to empowerment mirrors the broader Jewish experience in the face of adversity. She questions why Jewish people evoke such deep-seated hatred and explores whether non-Jews can find value in their traditions. “There’s a way to see past the conspiracy theories and debates about Israel,” she suggests, “and actually learn something that can improve our lives.”
Slanger, for his part, emphasizes the importance of unity and understanding. His teachings, rooted in Orthodox tradition, offer a counterbalance to the divisiveness of modern discourse. The book serves as both a tribute to their bond and a call to action, urging readers to embrace the timeless principles of Judaism in a world increasingly defined by conflict. “This is the telltale sign that we are on a very scary trajectory,” Moskowitz remarked, highlighting the urgency of the moment. Yet, Goldstein and Schlanger’s story also offers a glimmer of hope, proving that even in the darkest times, connection and shared purpose can prevail.
As the US grapples with the resurgence of antisemitism, the personal narrative of Goldstein and Schlanger becomes more than a story of loss—it is a testament to the enduring strength of Jewish identity. Their conversations, once a simple exchange of ideas, now carry the weight of survival and resilience. The book they co-authored is a bridge between tradition and modernity, a reminder that the teachings of Judaism can inspire healing, even in the face of hatred. For Goldstein, the tragedy at Bondi Beach was a catalyst, one that transformed her fear into a mission to share the light of faith with others.
Through their experiences, the pair illustrates how antisemitism is not just a foreign threat but a growing concern at home. The same forces that fueled violence in Australia have found fertile ground in the US, where Jewish communities are increasingly vigilant. But Goldstein and Schlanger’s partnership shows that even amid fear, there is room for hope. Their words, like the shofar’s call, echo a message of perseverance and the enduring relevance of Jewish teachings in a fractured world.