Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., left, pictured alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., right. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
Fellow New York lawmaker Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., reposted a clip calling Schumer's comments tone-deaf.
"Retire. Immediately," Lawler said in a post on X.
On the other side of the aisle, lawmakers like Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., called on viewers to take a graver stance on rising antisemitism, arguing that a failure to do so would only reward and encourage further acts of violence.
"It’s an absolute betrayal, for Israel and for the worldwide Jewish community — like whether it's France or Australia or any of these nations, our Western allies — now calling for a two-state solution when Hamas refuses to disarm and are actively trying to kill Jews. I can't imagine why anybody would do that at this point," Fetterman said on Sunday.
The divide between Fetterman and Schumer’s responses illustrates a stark contrast in how lawmakers talk about Israel in the Democratic Party, even as they universally expressed horror at Sunday’s attack.
A father-son duo opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration attended by more than 1,000 people at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday afternoon. According to New South Wales authorities, the father, 50, was killed in a confrontation with police, while his son, 24, remains in critical condition. Police confirmed 16 victim fatalities and 40 hospitalizations.
Authorities have designated the attack an act of terrorism.
In the wake of the shooting, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, blasted Democrats for not slamming the door shut on anti-Israel rhetoric on Sunday.
"On this day of horror … to all the leftists offering your ‘thoughts and prayers,’ what — exactly — do you think ‘globalize the Intifada’ means?" Cruz said in a post on X, referring to the phrase critics of Israel frequently used to call for the abolition of the Jewish state.
RABBI KILLED IN SYDNEY HANUKKAH ATTACK HAD WARNED AUSTRALIAN PM ABOUT RISING ANTISEMITISM
Pro-Palestinian activists hold banners that include, "globalize the Intifada," during a protest commemorating Nakba Day, May 15, 2025, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
"Antisemitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected," the lawmakers said.
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"We also call on all leaders to do better standing up to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear," the letter added.
Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schumer-draws-fire-casual-tone-after-sydney-terror-attack-fetterman-cruz-demand-tougher-stance