We Used to be Journos Antony Loewenstein unpacks the Bondi terror attack
Dec 23, 2025
Antony Loewenstein, an award-winning journalist and author focused on Israel/Palestine, joins Jan Fran to discuss the Bondi terror attacks. He shares his emotional response and the importance of balancing grief with a critique of political narratives. Antony critiques Israeli leaders for their rapid politicization of events and explains how rising antisemitism connects to mainstream Jewish leadership's actions. He urges against silencing dissenting voices and emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and solidarity to combat oppression.
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Firsthand Reaction During Hanukkah
- Antony Loewenstein was at home with family lighting Hanukkah candles when he first heard about the Bondi attack and learned details via texts and TV.
- His immediate reactions were fear, sadness and quickly anger at both the perpetrators and how the event was being politicized.
Silence Lets Powerful Narratives Dominate
- Loewenstein argues silence now would let powerful voices set a narrative that weaponizes the attack for political aims.
- He sees mainstream media echoing claims linking protests and government policy to the Bondi attack without evidence.
Not All Jewish Leaders Represent Every Jew
- Loewenstein distinguishes between Jewish communities and the mainstream leadership often aligned with the Israeli government.
- He warns many mainstream Jewish leaders do not speak for all Jews, especially younger and dissenting Jewish voices.