Tel Aviv, December 14 — Israeli officials strongly denounced a terrorist shooting at a Chanukah menorah-lighting in Sydney that left multiple people dead and many more wounded.
Australian authorities say two gunmen opened fire during the event at Bondi Beach on Sunday, which was attended by roughly 2,000 people. The attack occurred as participants gathered to light the first candle of Chanukah.
Speaking at a ceremony honoring immigrants to Israel, President Isaac Herzog described the assault as “vile” and voiced solidarity with the victims and their families. He said the nation is holding Sydney’s Jewish community in its thoughts and prayers, asking for the recovery of the wounded and mourning those killed. Herzog also urged Australian authorities to confront rising antisemitism, warning of “the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the incident “murderous,” linking it to years of antisemitic incitement in Australia. In a post on social media he pointed to previous street agitation and inflammatory slogans, saying such rhetoric helped produce the violence seen on Bondi Beach. Sa’ar added that Canberra had received many warning signs and “must come to its senses.”
Energy Minister Eli Cohen extended condolences to the victims and emphasized the need for a global effort to combat antisemitism. “We stand with the Jewish community in Sydney in these difficult times,” he said, offering sympathy to families of the slain and prayers for the injured. Cohen warned that antisemitism is resurfacing in parts of the world and called for firm measures to counter leaders and movements that embolden terror and spread false campaigns against Israel.
The reports and official responses were carried on syndicated news feeds. The Tribune publishes the material as received and does not assume responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.
