Attack on Jewish celebration

Several people have been killed and injured in a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. According to initial reports, two attackers targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration. Authorities have described it as an antisemitic attack.

The death toll has risen following the attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach. Police say at least twelve people have been killed and nearly 30 injured. Several people, some seriously injured, have been taken to nearby hospitals, ABC reported.

According to authorities, the shooting was an antisemitic attack."This attack was aimed at targeting Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah," said New South Wales Premier Chris Minns at a press conference during the Jewish festival of lights. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon described the attack to reporters as a"terrorist incident."

One of the perpetrators among the dead

Police reported two attackers. According to authorities, one of the perpetrators was killed by police, and the other was arrested. Earlier, investigators had reported that two people were in custody.

According to the Australian news agency AAP, hundreds had gathered for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The eight-day festival of lights begins this Sunday."Shots fired at a Hanukkah event," the Australian Jewish Association wrote on Twitter."We warned so many times that this would happen."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged people to follow police safety instructions. In a statement, he described the attack as"shocking and devastating." "My thoughts are with all those affected," Albanese added.

Israel's president speaks of"cruel attack"

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke of a "horrific attack on Jews." In a speech in Jerusalem, he called on Australian authorities to do more to combat antisemitism. The German ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, stated on the online news service X that he was"appalled and saddened by the terrorist attack" on the Hanukkah celebration – "a reprehensible act of hatred that cannot be justified by anything in the world."

The Central Council of Jews in Germany also reacted with dismay."In these difficult hours, our thoughts are with those affected, the injured, and the families of the victims," the Central Council wrote on X. The Central Council added a black and white candle icon and the words"We stand with Sydney" to the post.

Merz appears"speechless"

"The antisemitic attack on Bondi Beach during Hanukkah leaves me speechless," wrote Chancellor Friedrich Merz on X."This is an attack on our shared values. We must put a stop to this antisemitism – here in Germany and worldwide." Top EU officials also expressed their horror: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media that she was shocked by the attack and sent her condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere.