Chabad rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was murdered in the Bondi Beach mass shooting attack on Sunday, published an open letter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, imploring him to "not betray the Jewish people and not to betray G-d Himself," on his Facebook page in September.
In his comments, which came shortly after the United Nations General Assembly voted to recognize Palestinian statehood, Schlanger wrote to Albanese that Israel is land "given by G-d to Abraham, then to his son Isaac, and then to Jacob, to be the eternal homeland of the Jewish people."
"Throughout history, Jews have been torn from their land again and again by leaders who are now remembered with scorn in the pages of history," he added. "Today, you have the opportunity to stand on the side of truth and righteousness. By rescinding this act of betrayal, you will not only honor the Jewish people and our heritage but also align yourself with the word of G-d."
"Should you choose this path, you will be welcomed home with open arms and even a warm Shabbat meal. I congratulate you in advance for the courage to do what is right and to stand firmly against this act of heresy," he concluded.
Gunmen open fire on Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration, killing at least 11, including Schlanger
At least 11 people, including Shlanger and at least one Israeli, were among the murdered when gunmen opened fire on a Chabad Hanukkah event in Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.