World leaders have condemned the “terrorist” attack that killed 11 people and wounded many others at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday in a gathering for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Report has it that two armed men shot and killed 11 people while emergency responders rushed at least 29 people to local hospitals from the beach, one of the biggest tourist draws in Australia’s largest city.
New South Wales police said one of the alleged shooters was killed, and the second was in a critical condition.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in his reaction on X who condemned the ghastly terrorist attack, extended sincere condolences on behalf of the people of India to the families who lost their loved ones.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism”, he added.
United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio on X also strongly condemned the attack while stated that antisemitism has no place in this world. “Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia”.
Israeli President, Isaac Herzog on X said, “Our hearts go out to our Jewish sisters and brothers in Sydney who have been attacked by vile terrorists as they went to light the first candle of Chanukah”.
The President who said he has spoken to the President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, David Ossip speaking at the event during the shooting, conveyed on behalf of the entire nation of Israel their condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the wounded.
“Time and again we called on the Australian government to take action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism that is plaguing Australian society. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community of Sydney and the entire Australian Jewish community at this horrific time”.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X said his country stands in solidarity with Australia in the face of the brutal terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, targeted the Jewish community at the start of Hanukkah.
“We express condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and wish a swift and full recovery to all those who were wounded. Terror and hatred must never prevail, they must be defeated everywhere and every time”, he added.
French President, Emmanuel Macron said France extends its thoughts to the victims, the injured and their loved ones. He added, “We share the pain of the Australian people and will continue to fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred, which hurts us all, wherever it strikes”.The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, who condemned the attack said, “My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness”.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemned the attack while saying this act of terror constitutes an assault on humanity and the shared values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
In a statement extended condolences to the families of the victims and expresses solidarity with the affected community during this time of profound grief. Adding that the African Union unequivocally rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterates that no cause can ever justify the deliberate targeting of civilians.
The Chairperson underscored the imperative of protecting all communities from hatred, violence, and extremism, and called for unity and cooperation among states and societies to prevent radicalisation, counter violent extremism, and ensure accountability for those responsible.
The African Union who vowed to remain committed to working with international partners to advance peace, security, and respect for human dignity, reaffirmed its resolve to stand against antisemitism and all forms of hate-driven violence.
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the Council of Imams NSW and the Australian Muslim community, unequivocally condemned the horrific shootings in Bondi.
In a statement released stated that these acts of violence and crimes have no place in their society, adding that those responsible must be held accountable and face the full force of the law.
According to them, “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack. The Muslim groups acknowledged the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extended their sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving while urged the community to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and support one another during this challenging time.
They said, “This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms and affirming our shared commitment to social harmony and the safety of all Australians”.
Meanwhile, the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has hailed the ordinary citizens who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen as “heroes”.“Police declared the shooting a “terrorist incident” and said they had found suspected “improvised explosive devices” in a vehicle near the beach that was linked to the deceased suspect.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith — an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation,” Albanese said.
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” Albanese said.
The shooting took place during an annual “Hanukkah by the Sea” event at Bondi Beach which police said was attended by over a thousand people.
