Sydney was struck by horror on Sunday evening after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach left at least 11 victims dead and over a dozen injured. The New South Wales Police have officially designated the incident, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, as a terrorist attack.
The bloodshed, described as one of Australia’s deadliest mass-casualty events since 1996, prompted an urgent national security committee meeting.
Targeted Attack on Jewish Community
The shooting took place around 6:30 pm local time, as members of the local community gathered for the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
- Casualties: 11 victims were killed, in addition to one shooter who was confirmed dead at the scene. Initial reports suggested two gunmen, but police later confirmed one shooter dead and another injured, though investigations are ongoing regarding a possible third offender. Over 29 people, including two police officers, were transported to various hospitals.
- First Victim Identified: The first victim was identified as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi and local community chaplain, underscoring the attack’s targeted nature.
- Evidence Found: Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that authorities found an improvised explosive device (IED) in a car linked to the deceased shooter, further solidifying the terror designation.
PM Albanese Vows to Eradicate Hate
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as a “dark moment for the nation” and an “act of evil, anti-Semitism, and terrorism.”
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian… There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear we will eradicate it,” PM Albanese stated, vowing a swift response.
International Condemnation
The attack drew immediate condemnation from global leaders:
- PM Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “ghastly terrorist attack,” extending condolences and affirming India’s “zero tolerance towards terrorism.”
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it a “heinous deadly attack on Jewish families.”
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the “terrorist attack… targeting a Jewish celebration,” stating, “Antisemitism has no place in this world.”
The incident has also sparked political tension, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the Australian government of having fuelled anti-Semitism prior to the attack.
Heroic Intervention
Amidst the chaos, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner was hailed as a “hero” for bravely tackling one of the gunmen. Despite sustaining two bullet wounds, the unarmed man intervened, saving countless lives, an act captured in viral videos.
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