‘An act of evil anti-Semitism’ - Australia and Israel react after Bondi Beach shooting targets Jewish community: Video
At least 11 people have been killed and 29 injured in a shooting incident at Bondi Beach, Australia.
The attack occurred on Sunday, December 14, as hundreds gathered to mark the first day of Hanukkah. Authorities have classified the incident as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community.
Police confirmed two suspects were involved. One is deceased, while the other is in critical condition and receiving treatment in the hospital.
Officers also discovered and removed explosive devices from a nearby vehicle. A rescue bomb disposal unit was deployed to secure the area, as the vehicle was believed to contain several improvised explosive devices.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, describing it as “an act of evil anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.” He added, “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated on this attack on our way of life. There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the incident in a press conference. “The entire nation of Israel misses a beat in this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them, and we pray for those who have lost their lives. We send our warmest strength from here, from Jerusalem, and we repeat our alert time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of anti-Semitism which is plaguing Australian society.”
Following the attack, police forces in other countries have increased security at public Hanukkah events as a precaution.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
