[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 211 (Monday, December 15, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SHOOTING AT BROWN UNIVERSITY AND SHOOTING IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, in Skokie, IL, a few miles north of 
Chicago, is America's second largest Holocaust museum. Those who visit 
see thousands of artifacts from victims and survivors and their 
families. There is one lesson that every visitor takes away: All who 
walk through its doors learn the importance of tolerance, the need to 
choose love over hate. I have been reflecting on this lesson in the 
wake of the two awful acts of violence that took place this past 
weekend.
  On Sunday night, in Australia, 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 for simply one 
reason: They were Jewish, and 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 first responders and civilians to end the 
gunmen's rampage.
  This act of violence is a grim reminder that we cannot stop combating 
anti-Semitism. This tragedy occurred just hours after Brown University, 
in Providence, RI, here in the United States, experienced its own mass 
shooting.
  In the aftermath of these two tragedies, I am in awe of the bravery 
and sacrifice displayed by those caught up in the attacks.
  One of them, Ahmed al-Ahmed, tackled one of the shooters at Bondi 
Beach in Australia, saving countless lives. He is now going through 
surgery. I wish him a swift 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 a full and swift recovery.
  Ahmed, Spencer, and countless others should never be put in these 
unimaginable situations. Yet their selfless acts in the face of such 
violence are the ultimate demonstration of love--a willingness to risk 
their own lives to save a stranger.
  As we seek to address the scourge of anti-Semitism and gun violence, 
may we act in the path of these brave upstanders, who in crisis chose 
humanity and love over violence and hate.

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