Israel and global leaders condemn antisemitic attack at Hanukkah event in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the massacre at a Chabad Hanukkah candlelighting event on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday. Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism in his country, he said: “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians, on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith. An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, saying, "In Sydney, an antisemitic terrorist attack struck families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. France extends 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, which hurts us all, wherever it strikes."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni added: “I have been following the dramatic news from Sydney with deep sorrow. While once again firmly condemning all forms of violence and anti-Semitism, Italy expresses its condolences to the victims and extends its deepest sympathies to their loved ones, the injured, and the Jewish communities, and renews its friendship with the Australian people.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated: “The antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah leaves me utterly shocked. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is an attack on our shared values. We must fight antisemitism – here in Germany and around the world.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy. The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community.”

Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, criticized the Australian government, saying: “Time and again we called on the Australian government to take action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism that is plaguing Australian society.” The ZAKA organization announced it would send a delegation to Sydney.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused the attack of being the result of “the rampant antisemitism on Australia’s streets over the past two years, with antisemitic and inciting chants such as 'Globilize the intifada'. The Australian government, which received countless warning signs and failed to take sufficient action, must come to its senses.”

An Israeli resident of Sydney spoke on the program Seder Yom on Kan Reshet Bet, expressing fear for her son’s life, who was present at the event: “I’m looking for my child and we can’t find him. Every year we’re there with the kids, and we can’t find many of the people who were there. There are police everywhere and there were many dead –you don’t understand what’s happening here. Right now we’re searching for those who aren’t answering and for people we can’t reach.”

A city resident who lives near the scene told Seder Yom that there were several Hanukkah events taking place in the city: “When the news came, they shut down our party, and several other parties in the area were also closed. It was the first night of Hanukkah, so there were many celebrations in the city. We’re focusing on keeping our children safe, surviving, and thinking positive thoughts.”

Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, said on BeHatsi HaYom on Kan Reshet Bet: “The writing was on the wall. The attack comes after a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents. The inaction of the Australian government is one of the central reasons the Jewish community once again finds itself on the receiving end.”

Mendel Kastel, a Sydney resident whose family members were present at the candlelighting event, spoke from the scene on BeHatsi HaYom: “The situation is difficult. Some were injured – and we are praying for their well-being.”

The Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum responded: “This attack was not an isolated incident - in fact the writing was on the wall. It reflects the growing and very real threat facing Jewish communities not only in Australia, but around the world. A threat that must be condemned and confronted both unequivocally and unapologetically.”

Chair of the Knesset Committee on Aliyah, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs, MK Gilad Kariv, said: “A horrific tragedy has unfolded in Australia. Our hearts are with the members of the Jewish community in Sydney and across the country. The Australian government must act decisively to ensure the safety of Australian Jews and to combat the scourge of antisemitism.”

Deputy Foreign Minister MK Sharren Haskel condemned the attack: “I am deeply shocked by the photographs sent to me from the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. My thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community in Australia at this horrific moment. I hope with all my heart that my friends are safe, and I pray for the well-being of the injured. I send my condolences to the families of the murdered, in which at least ten people were murdered. This is a terrible and horrifying event. Hanukkah is supposed to be a holiday of light and joy. No community in the world should have to deal with violence or fear during a religious celebration.”

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu called: “Jews of the world, come home.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich compared the attack to the scenes of the Oct. 7 massacre: “uncompromising demand that the Australian government deal firmly with the rising antisemitism in the country and protect its Jews."