Several world leaders have spoken out and condemned the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, pledging to intensify efforts to combat antisemitism, as Jewish politicians renewed calls for stronger protections for their community.
At least 16 people, including one of the gunmen, were killed and at least 42 others injured when shooters opened fire on a crowded beach. The attack occurred on Sunday, the first night of Hanukkah, with the suspects seen near the Chanukah by the Sea festival, where Jewish Sydneysiders had gathered to celebrate.
Speaking from the White House during a Christmas event on Monday morning (AEDT), US President Donald Trump said the attack was “horrible” and “purely antisemitic”. The US president added: “Today we can say loudly we celebrate Hanukkah.”
He also commended heroic bystander Ahmed el Ahmed, who confronted and disarmed one of the Bondi attackers.
“There’s been a very, very brave person actually who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives,” Trump said.
“A very brave person who’s right now at the hospital, pretty seriously wounded. So, great respect to that man that did that.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese months earlier, warning of the risks posed by failing to take stronger action against antisemitism.
“I wrote: ‘Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets’,” Netanyahu said in a speech.
“You let the disease spread, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today,” he added.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the shooting as a “cruel” attack on Jews.
“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 at an event at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar shared on X that he’s “appalled” by the shooting.
“The Australian Government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses!” Sa’ar posted on X.
“I said that since October 7, there has been a surge in antisemitism in Australia, including violent incitement against Israel and Jews in the digital and public spheres …” he wrote.
“I also said that security for the Jewish community in Australia will be achieved only through a real change in the public atmosphere.”
United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee labelled the shooting “horrific” and criticised Anthony Albanese’s initial response for failing to describe it as a “jihadist attack on Jews on the first day of Hanukkah”.
In a press conference following the shooting, Albanese declared the shooting as “an attack on Jewish Australia” as well as “an attack on every Australian”, which NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see, and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney.”
King Charles shared his condolences via a statement from the Royal Family on X, writing that he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack”.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanuka Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
Prince William and his wife Kate also shared their condolences to the victims, writing: “Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.”
It comes after the death doll has risen to 16, including one child.
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