World Leaders Condemn Bondi Beach Attack as 'Cruel' Strike on Jewish Community During Hanukkah
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the mass shooting at Bondi Beach as a “cruel attack on Jews” as world leaders from London to Wellington expressed horror at the violence that killed nine people during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday.
Herzog condemned the attack at an event at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, describing the victims as “our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia” who “have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah.”
“We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society,” Herzog said, according to the Times of Israel. “Our hearts go out to them. We pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them, and we pray for those who lost their lives.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he was “appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia,” connecting the violence to a broader pattern of antisemitic incitement.
“These are the results of the antisemitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the antisemitic and inciting calls of ‘Globalise the Intifada’ that were realised today,” Sa’ar posted on X. “The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses!”
Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said he was “horrified” by what he called a terrorist attack targeting Jewish families.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Jewish community in Australia. Boulder. Manchester. Washington. And now Sydney. The names of more and more cities around the world are becoming synonymous with deadly attacks against Jews,” Lapid wrote on X. “Stopping these horrors requires immediate, decisive intervention at all levels. Enough is enough.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the shooting as “deeply distressing,” posting on X that “the United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi Beach.”
“I’m being kept updated on the developing situation,” Starmer added. Less than an hour earlier, he had sent his “warmest wishes” to Jewish communities worldwide celebrating Chanukah.
UK Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch called the scene “heartbreaking,” stating: “Heartbreaking scenes emerging from Bondi Beach of what looks like another despicable terrorist atrocity.
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New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was “shocked by the distressing scenes” at a location that New Zealanders visited regularly.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described the attack as “horrific.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the shooting “horrendous,” adding that “the threat is everywhere.”
The Australian National Imams Council issued a statement condemning the shooting and calling on all Australians to “stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity.”
“These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law,” the Council said. “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack. We acknowledge the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extend our sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving.”
The condemnations reflected the broader international concerns about rising antisemitism and attacks on Jewish communities globally. The attack occurred as Jewish communities worldwide were gathering to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he had spoken with Jewish community leaders in Sydney who were “fearful and outraged” by the attack.
“For months, they warned of rising antisemitism. The writing was on the wall. It was ignored. This violence did not come out of nowhere. When antisemitic hatred is tolerated and threats are downplayed, attacks become inevitable,” Bennett wrote on X.
He called on the Australian federal government to take “immediate, decisive action to protect Jewish communities and confront antisemitism as the serious threat it is.”
“Statements of sympathy are no longer enough. Jews should not have to fear for their lives anywhere, including Australia,” Bennett said.
The diplomatic tensions between Israel and Australia have been well documented, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously expressing concerns about the treatment of Jewish Australians and the relationship between the two governments.
The attack has renewed international focus on Australia’s response to antisemitic incidents, with multiple Israeli officials publicly calling for stronger action from Australian authorities.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan joined international leaders in expressing condolences, saying she was “horrified” by the events and that “all Victorians stand with New South Wales and everyone who is grieving right now.”
The Community Security Group, which provides security for Australian Jewish communities, cancelled a Hanukkah event at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse “out of an abundance of caution” following the attack, advising attendees to leave immediately and those en route to return home.
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