World leaders react to Bondi Beach mass shooting
INTERNATIONAL REACTION TO BONDI BEACH DRAWINGS
* “Right now, the heart of the entire nation of Israel is not beating. While we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we also pray for them and for those who lost their lives.”
-Israeli President Isaac Herzog
* “These are the consequences of the anti-Semitic attack on the streets of Australia over the last two years and the anti-Semitic and provocative calls to ‘Globalize the Intifada’ today.”
– Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar
* “About 4 months ago, on 17 August, I sent a letter to Australian Prime Minister Albanese in which I warned that the Australian government’s policy was promoting and encouraging antisemitism in Australia. I wrote: ‘Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who threaten Australian Jews and promotes the Jew hatred that now stalks your streets. Antisemitism is a cancer. Leaders spread over time. Remain silent; when leaders act, retreat, I urge you to replace weakness with action, appeasement with determination.’ Instead, Prime Minister, you have replaced weakness with weakness, and appeasement with more appeasement. Your government has done nothing to stop the spread of anti-Semitism in Australia. You have done nothing to stop the cancer cells growing in your country. You took no action. You allowed the disease to spread, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews that we see today. We saw an action by a brave man, who turned out to be a brave Muslim, and I salute him, he stopped one of these terrorists from killing innocent Jews. But this requires action from your government, which you did not take. And you must, because history will not forgive hesitation and weakness. It will honor action and power. This is what Israel expects from every one of your governments in the West and elsewhere. Because the disease is spreading and will consume you too. But right now we are worried about the life safety of our people and we do not remain silent. We are fighting against those who try to destroy us. “
-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
* “Australia and New Zealand are closer than friends, we are family. I am shocked by the harrowing scenes at Bondi, which Kiwis visit every day. My thoughts and those of all New Zealanders are with those affected.”
– New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
* “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 all those so terribly affected, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their own community. We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions undoubtedly prevented greater horror and tragedy. In times of pain, Australians always come together in unity and determination. We shine brightly in Australia.” The love that shines and the light at the heart of the Hanukkah festival will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
– King III. Charles
* “Our thoughts are with all Australians following today’s horrific attack on Bondi Beach. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and stand with the suffering Jewish community. We also reflect on the bravery of emergency responders, especially the two injured police officers. W & C”
– Prince William and Princess Kate of Wales
* “The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack targeting Jewish celebrations in Australia. Anti-Semitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this terrible attack, the Jewish community and the people of Australia.”
– US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
* “Ukraine stands in solidarity with Australia in the face of the brutal terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community at Sydney’s Bondi Beach at the beginning of Hanukkah. We offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and wish a speedy and full recovery to those injured. Terrorism and hatred must never prevail; they must be defeated everywhere and at all times.”
-Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
* “Deeply saddening news from Australia. The UK sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach.”
– British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
* “The State of Qatar expresses its condemnation and condemnation of the attack that took place on Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia, which resulted in deaths and injuries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates once again the determined stance of the State of Qatar against violence, terrorism and criminal acts, regardless of the justification. The Ministry expresses the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.”
– Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
* “I am shocked by the tragic attack at Bondi Beach. I offer my sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We stand together against violence, anti-Semitism and hatred.”
– European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
