King Charles issues emotional statement on Bondi Beach terror attack | Politics | News

King Charles condemned “the most horrific anti-Semitic terrorist attack on the Jewish people” while saluting heroic members of the public for preventing an even greater massacre.

Her Majesty led political leaders in condemning the Hanukkah atrocity at Bondi Beach, which claimed the lives of at least 12 people, including one of the gunmen.

And the monarch praised the “police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions undoubtedly prevented further horror and tragedy.”

His family confirmed that London-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger was among those killed in the attack.

In a remarkable display of bravery, Ahmed al-Ahmad hid behind a car before pounced on one of the Hanukkah gunmen, mass shooting and disarming him.

The King said: “My wife and I are horrified and saddened by the most horrific anti-Semitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach.

“Our hearts go out to everyone so terribly affected, including the police officers who were injured while protecting community members.

“We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions undoubtedly prevented further horror and tragedy.

“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 Hanukkah festival will always triumph against the darkness of such evil.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales said their thoughts were with every Australian following the mass shooting.

They said: “Our thoughts are with all Australians today following the horrific attack at Bondi Beach.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in its grief.

“We also think about the bravery of the emergency responders, especially the two injured police officers.”

Gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney earlier in the day, killing at least 12 people, including the gunman who was shot dead by police.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Hanukkah should be a time of celebration and joy.

“The news that the attack on Bondi Beach was an anti-Semitic terrorist attack on Jewish families at a Hanukkah event is sickening.

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community. We are actively working with the Community Security Trust in overseeing Hanukkah events.”

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said the Jewish people would “rebuild with determination” after “unspeakable brutality”.

He said: “As we turn on our first Hanukkah lights this evening, we hold the victims of the unspeakable brutality in Sydney in our hearts and prayers.

“We grieve for the innocent lives brutally murdered in this act of hatred and terror, and we pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“Jews have once again been targeted for the crime of coming together with pride as Jews, and it is difficult to find words to adequately express our pain.

“Our traditional Jewish response is clear: We are strong and resilient, in the spirit of the defiant Maccabees who declared that they would never be intimidated or deprived of their right to live and worship freely.

“We will rebuild with determination, continuing to come together to celebrate more openly and proudly the light of our tradition and values.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch added: “As Jews across the UK gather to welcome Hanukkah, we must once again remind ourselves of the enduring power of the story of the Maccabees, not just for Jewish history but also for universal themes of resilience, courage and hope. We need them more than ever in the war of light against darkness.”

Police said they found “several improvised explosive devices” in a car linked to the dead attacker.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a press conference in Canberra that the Bondi Beach attack was “an evil act, an act of antisemitism and terrorism”.

He said: “This is a targeted attack on Australian Jews on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy and celebration of faith.

“An act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that strikes at the heart of our nation, an attack on Australian Jews is an attack on every Australian, and tonight every Australian will be as devastated as I am by this attack on our way of life.

“This hatred, violence and terrorism has no place in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eliminate it.

“Amidst this heinous act of violence and hatred, in this dark moment for our nation, a moment of national unity will emerge where Australians will embrace their fellow Australians of the Jewish faith.

But Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Australian government of “encouraging and promoting” antisemitism in the months before the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Netanyahu said he wrote to Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese earlier this year, warning that recognizing a Palestinian state would “add fuel to the anti-Semitic fire.”

“It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who threaten Australian Jews and it emboldens the Jew hatred that now runs rampant on your streets.”