Sickening antisemitic terror attack: How world leaders reacted to Sydney massacre

Leaders round the globe strongly condemned the deadly antisemitic terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left at least 12 people, including children and a police officer, dead and at least 29 others injured during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sunday evening.

Australian authorities said two gunmen opened fire during an event organised to mark the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Hundreds of people had gathered at Bondi Beach Park near a children’s playground when the shooting began. Authorities later declared the incident a targeted terrorist attack.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration. He said antisemitism has no place in the world and added that US prayers are with the victims of the horrific attack, the Jewish community and the people of Australia.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz extended his deepest condolences to the families of those murdered in what he described as a despicable terrorist attack against the Jewish community and Chabad emissaries on the eve of the first night of Hanukkah. He wished the injured a swift recovery and said Israel will continue to stand with Jewish communities worldwide and fight antisemitism and terrorism everywhere.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Hanukkah should be a time of celebration and joy, calling the Bondi Beach shooting a “sickening” antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families. He said his thoughts were with the victims and their families and stressed that the United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community. Starmer added that UK authorities are actively working with the Community Security Trust on the policing of Hanukkah events.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on X that she was following with deep sorrow the dramatic news coming from Sydney. Condemning every form of violence and antisemitism, she said Italy expresses its condolences to the victims and stands in solidarity with their loved ones, the injured and Jewish communities, while renewing its friendship with the Australian people.

French President Emmanuel Macron said an antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney struck families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. He said France’s thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their loved ones, adding that France shares the pain of the Australian people and will continue to fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred wherever it strikes.

- Ends