{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415189", "TAPinto Gold Coast article on Smith's statement condemning antisemitic violence'Congressman Smith Condemns Deadly Antisemitic Attack at Hanukkah Event in Australia'", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "NJ", "Christopher H. Smith", "S000522", "chrissmith.house.gov", "chrissmith", "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "By Jim Lonergan\n\nPublished December 15, 2025 at 9:10 AM\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., condemned a deadly antisemitic terrorist attack this weekend at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more, including children and elderly attendees.\n\nThe attack occurred during a public Hanukkah gathering near the beach, where families and community members had assembled to celebrate the holiday. Authorities have described the shooting as a targeted act of antisemitic terrorism. Multiple attackers were involved, and police said the rapid intervention of bystanders and first responders prevented an even higher death toll. The incident has sent shockwaves through Australia and prompted heightened security around Jewish institutions nationwide.\n\nIn a statement, Smith expressed condolences to the victims and the Australian Jewish community, calling the attack a stark example of the global rise in antisemitic violence.\n\n\u201cMy heart breaks for the victims, their families, and the entire Australian Jewish community enduring this unimaginable tragedy,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThe savagery and cruelty of this attack on Jewish families echoes the worst antisemitic violence we have seen since the October 7 Hamas atrocity.\u201d\n\nSmith also praised the actions of a bystander who intervened during the attack, tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. He said the individual\u2019s actions likely saved many lives.\n\nA longtime advocate for combating antisemitism, Smith is the author of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2021. He used the moment to renew calls for stronger international efforts to confront antisemitism and hold perpetrators accountable.\n\nUnder the law, President Trump nominated Yehuda Kaploun in April to serve as the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, with the rank of ambassador. Smith noted that nearly nine months later, the nomination is still awaiting final Senate confirmation.\n\nThe delay reflects the modern Senate confirmation process, which has grown increasingly slow and politicized, particularly for ambassador-level appointments. While the position requires Senate approval, extended confirmation timelines have become common due to partisan divisions, limited floor time, and competing legislative priorities.\n\nIn announcing the nomination earlier this year, Trump described Kaploun as a successful businessman and a strong advocate for the Jewish faith, citing the need for decisive leadership as antisemitism continues to rise worldwide.\n\nSmith emphasized that antisemitism must be confronted across all fronts, including extremist violence, institutional bias, and inflammatory rhetoric.\n\n\u201cThe United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies to ensure Jewish communities can practice their faith openly and without fear,\u201d Smith said. \u201cLeaders worldwide must redouble their efforts to counter this rising tide of hate, including through enhanced security measures and accountability for those who incite or commit these crimes.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415189"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9036543779075146, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}