‘Australia received countless warning signs...’ Israeli leaders react to Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting

Tel Aviv: Israeli leaders on Sunday strongly condemned a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which left multiple people dead and wounded at an event held at Bondi Beach.

What happened at the Hanukkah celebration in Sydney?

According to Australian media reports, two gunmen opened fire during a menorah-lighting ceremony at Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach. The event was attended by around 2,000 people. Several people were killed and many others injured in the attack.

What did President Isaac Herzog say?

Speaking at a ceremony honouring the contribution of immigrants to Israel, President Isaac Herzog described the attack as “vile” and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

“At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach,” Herzog said.

“Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment. As we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives. We send our warmest strength from Jerusalem,” he added.

Herzog also urged the Australian government to take action against rising antisemitism, warning of “the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”

How did the foreign minister respond?

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the attack as “murderous” and linked it to what he said were years of antisemitic incitement in Australia.

“These are the results of the anti-Semitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the anti-Semitic and inciting calls of ‘Globalise the Intifada’ that were realized today,” Sa’ar said in a post on X.

He added that the Australian government, “which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses.”

What did Energy Minister Eli Cohen say?

Energy Minister Eli Cohen extended condolences to the victims and stressed the need to combat antisemitism globally.

“We stand with the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia, in its difficult times, sending condolences to the murdered and praying for the recovery of the wounded,” Cohen said.

“Sadly, antisemitism in the world is raising its head, gaining backing from weak leaders who succumb to terror and collaborate with false campaigns against Israel. We must fight antisemitism with an iron fist and by all means,” he added.

ANI inputs