World leaders have expressed horror and revulsion at Sunday’s mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, which left 11 people dead during a gathering celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Australian authorities have labelled the attack a “terrorist” incident.
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “shocking and distressing” and said it was “beyond comprehension.”
Israel
President Isaac Herzog condemned the “very cruel attack on Jews” by “vile terrorists” and urged Australia to combat the rising wave of antisemitism in the country.
United States
Former President Donald Trump called it “a purely antisemitic attack,” highlighting the death toll of 11 and 29 injured. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added on X that “antisemitism has no place in this world” and extended prayers to the victims and the Australian Jewish community.
United Kingdom
King Charles III described the incident as the “most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “deeply distressing” and sent condolences to all affected.
United Nations
Secretary-General António Guterres expressed being “horrified” by the “heinous deadly attack” and offered solidarity to Jewish communities worldwide on the first day of Hanukkah.
European Union
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen condemned the “appalling act of violence” and affirmed Europe’s solidarity with Australia and Jewish communities globally.
Middle East
The Palestinian foreign ministry rejected “all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism” and voiced “full solidarity” with Australia. Iran’s foreign ministry also condemned the attack, stating that “terror and killing of human beings, wherever committed, is rejected and condemned.”
Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to “fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “profound grief” and extended condolences, while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the attack “an act of hatred directed against all Jews worldwide.”
Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified by the antisemitic terror attack” and reaffirmed Canada’s support for Australians and Jewish communities everywhere, emphasizing a determination to never bow to terrorism, violence, hatred, or intimidation.
