Benjamin Netanyahu, King Charles among world leaders to condemn ‘deeply distressing’ attack
Updated ,first published
Follow our live coverage of the Bondi Beach attack.
World leaders condemned the mass shooting on Sydney’s Bondi Beach and vowed to continue fighting antisemitism as Jewish politicians called for more action to protect their communities.
At least 12 people, including one of the attackers, died and 29 people were injured when gunmen opened fire on a crowded crowd on the beach. Sunday was the first evening of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, and the attackers were spotted near the Hanukkah by the Sea festival, where Sydney Jews had gathered to celebrate the holiday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he sent a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese months ago warning of the dangers of not taking adequate measures to suppress anti-Semitism.
“Your call for a Palestinian state fuels anti-Semitic fires. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who threaten Australian Jews and it encourages the Jew hatred that now runs rampant in your streets,” Netanyahu wrote in a speech.
Albanese said on 11 August that Australia would recognize the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September; This move follows similar announcements by France, the UK and Canada.
In his speech, Netanyahu accused the Albanese government of “doing nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia”.
“You allowed the disease to spread, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews that we see today,” he added.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack as a “cruel” attack on Jews.
“We reiterate over and over our warnings to the Australian government to take action and combat the enormous wave of antisemitism that is plaguing Australian society,” Herzog said at an event at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the attack “horrific” and criticized the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s first statement Shortly after the news broke, calling the incident a “jihadist attack on Jews on the first day of Hanukkah.”
After leaving a national security committee meeting on Sunday night, Albanese told a news conference that the attack was “a demonic act of antisemitism, terrorism that struck at the heart of our nation.”
“An attack on Australian Jews is an attack on every Australian,” Albanese said. “This hatred, violence and terrorism has no place in our nation, let me say it clearly, we will eliminate it.”
King Charles shared his condolences in a post on X, writing that he and Queen Camilla were “horrified and saddened by the most horrific anti-Semitic terrorist attack.”
“Australians always come together in unity and determination in times of pain. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival will always triumph against the darkness of such evil.”
Prince William and his wife Kate also expressed their condolences to the victims and praised the bravery of X’s first responders: “Our thoughts are with every Australian following the horrific attack at Bondi Beach today.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he was “appalled” by the attack, which he claimed was a result of increased antisemitism in Australia over the past two years.
“With countless warning signs, the Australian government must come to its senses!” Sa’ar shared a post on X.
He later posted again on X to say he had spoken to Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong.
“I have said that there has been an increase in antisemitism in Australia since October 7, including violent incitement against Israel and Jews in digital and public spaces…” he wrote.
“I also said that the security of the Jewish community in Australia can only be ensured by a real change in the public atmosphere.”
The leaders of Italy and France condemned antisemitism and said their thoughts were with the victims and their loved ones.
“An anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Sydney hit families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement on the X channel.
“France sends its thoughts to the victims, the injured and their loved ones. We share the pain of the Australian people and will continue to fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred that hurts us all, wherever it strikes.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said he followed the dramatic news with deep sadness.
He wrote in
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “deeply distressing”, while British Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch said the “heartbreaking scenes” appeared to be “another vile terrorist atrocity”.
“The UK sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach. I am kept informed of the developing situation,” Starmer said on X. Less than an hour earlier, he had sent his “warmest wishes” to Jewish communities around the world who had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was “shocked by the distressing scenes” at a place Kiwis visit every day.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his horror at the events at Bondi Beach.
“I am horrified and condemn today’s disgusting, deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah,” he said on the official X account.
“My heart goes out to the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light that dispels darkness.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was shocked by the “tragic attack”.
“Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We stand together against violence, antisemitism and hatred,” he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine stands in solidarity with Australia. “We extend our condolences to the families and relatives of the dead and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Terrorism and hatred should never prevail, they must be defeated everywhere and always,” he said.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said he condemned “this vile act of terrorism in the strongest possible terms”, while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said “together we must fight against the spread of antisemitism”.
Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said he was horrified by the terrorist attack targeting Jewish families.
Lapid wrote on
Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said he was “shocked by this mass murder and the Australian government’s helplessness in preventing it”.
Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12 news, Maimon said, “Since October 7, we have witnessed a series of actions against the Jewish community and institutions, and these actions have gradually intensified.”
Maimon is in Israel and returning to Australia. Israeli times reported. His term, dominated by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, harsh stances on the war in Gaza, and outbursts of open hostility between Netanyahu and the Albanian governments, is scheduled to end in mid-January.
Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said the attack was “a moment of pain and a time of reckoning”.
Bennett called on the federal government to “take urgent and decisive action to protect Jewish communities and confront the serious threat of antisemitism.”
“Expressions of sympathy are no longer enough. Jews should not fear for their lives anywhere, including Australia,” he said.
Bondi terror attack given more coverage
- Updates: At least 12 people, including the gunman, are dead after a mass shooting during Hanukkah celebrations
- What we know so far: All the details of the mass murder
- Wristwatch: Incredible footage shows the moment a heroic bystander tackles one of the gunmen
Paul Dyer works on the foreigners desk of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Josefine Ganko is the nightly producer of The Sydney Morning Herald, based in London. He was formerly a breaking news reporter and news blogger.Connect with: excitement or email.
