Global Leaders Condemn Deadly Terror Attack on Jewish Community at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Dec 2025 : World leaders on Sunday strongly condemned a deadly terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, expressing shock, solidarity and condolences to the victims and their families. The incident, which authorities have described as a terrorist attack, has triggered widespread international outrage and renewed calls to confront rising antisemitism and extremist violence.

According to Australian police, at least 12 people, including one of the attackers, were killed in the shooting, while 29 others were injured. Among the injured were two police officers who were responding to the incident. A second gunman was wounded during the attack and has since been taken into custody. The shooting occurred during a public Hanukkah gathering, transforming what should have been a peaceful celebration into a scene of chaos and tragedy.

New South Wales Police formally declared the incident a terrorist attack, a designation echoed by national leaders. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News reported that security agencies believe the Jewish community was deliberately targeted. A senior law enforcement official identified one of the attackers as Naveed Akram from Sydney’s Bonnyrigg suburb. Authorities have stated that there is no longer an active threat, but have urged the public to avoid the area as investigations continue.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency National Security Meeting following the attack, describing it as a “devastating terrorist incident” and a direct assault on the nation’s values. “This was a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy and celebration of faith,” Albanese said. Calling it an “act of evil antisemitism and terrorism,” he added, “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”

Condemnation and messages of support poured in from leaders across Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and beyond. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was following the developments with deep sorrow, condemning violence and antisemitism in the strongest terms. “Italy expresses its condolences to the victims, stands in solidarity with their loved ones and the Jewish communities, and renews its friendship with the Australian people,” Meloni wrote in a post on X.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the news from Sydney as deeply distressing and extended Britain’s sympathies to all those affected. “The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone impacted by the appalling attack at Bondi Beach,” he said, adding that he was being kept informed as the situation unfolded.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also voiced shock at the tragedy, stressing Europe’s solidarity with Australia and Jewish communities worldwide. “We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred,” she said, offering heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the close bond between the two countries, saying Australians and New Zealanders are “family.” Expressing shock at the distressing scenes, Luxon noted that Bondi Beach is a place frequently visited by New Zealanders and said the thoughts of his nation were with everyone affected by the attack.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic strongly condemned what he described as a horrific terrorist assault on the Jewish community during a sacred religious gathering. Reaffirming Serbia’s support for Jewish communities globally, he said terrorism and antisemitism have no place in the modern world and stressed his country’s commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of its Jewish citizens.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was horrified by the deadly attack on Jewish families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. In a message shared on X, he described Hanukkah as a festival symbolising peace and light, and said the attack represented a stark attempt to extinguish those values. He expressed solidarity with Jewish communities around the world on what should have been a moment of joy and reflection.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said she was horrified by images emerging from Sydney, extending her sympathy to the victims and the wider Jewish community in Australia and beyond. “This light will not be extinguished,” she said, echoing the symbolic meaning of Hanukkah.

The Netherlands’ Foreign Minister David van Weel also conveyed solidarity with Australia, calling the reports from Bondi Beach shocking and ruthless. He said Dutch authorities were closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed his country’s support for its Australian friends.

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the events as an “absolute atrocity” and a chilling escalation of hatred directed at Australia’s Jewish community. While condemning the violence, he praised the bravery of a bystander who reportedly intervened during the attack, calling it a reminder of the resilience and courage present within Australian society.

As investigations continue, Australian authorities are focusing on establishing the full sequence of events and the motives behind the attack. Security has been heightened across major cities, particularly around Jewish institutions and public gatherings. Community leaders have urged unity and calm, while reaffirming the need to stand firmly against hatred and extremism.

The Bondi Beach attack has cast a long shadow over the start of Hanukkah, a festival that commemorates resilience, faith and the triumph of light over darkness. As messages of condolence and solidarity continue to pour in from around the world, leaders and citizens alike have underscored a shared determination that acts of terror and antisemitism will not succeed in dividing societies or extinguishing the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)