Australia’s leaders and security agencies have condemned what they described as an antisemitic terrorist attack after a mass shooting at a Chanukah event in Bondi that has left 12 people dead and many more injured. The Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese said the attack “struck the heart of our nation,” calling it both anti-Semitism and terrorism, and stressing that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.” He pledged “every resource required” to protect the Jewish community and said the country would respond with national unity, rejecting “division, violence or hatred” and vowing justice.
The Prime Minister said that what should have been a “day of joy, a celebration of faith” was turned into “an act of evil” and that the trauma and loss families are dealing with tonight is “beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.” He praised the courage of first responders and police who rushed towards danger, calling them heroes, and said the nation stands with Jewish Australians “today and every day.”
Representatives from the Australian Federal Police said the AFP is working alongside New South Wales Police and national security partners through joint counter-terrorism arrangements following the declaration of a terrorist incident. They said all specialist powers and resources are being used to ensure the matter is investigated as thoroughly as possible, but stressed the investigation remains in its early stages.
ASIO’s Director-General said the agency’s principal role at this stage is to support the police investigation while also assessing whether there are others in the community with similar intent. He said there are currently no indications of linked threats and that the national terrorism threat level remains “probable,” noting that threat levels are under constant review and not automatically raised based on a single incident.
Community responses were swift. The Jewish Council of Australia said it was “horrified and shaken,” describing the shooting on the first night of Chanukah as “shattering,” and urging that people should be able to gather and worship in safety. The Australian National Imams Council and NSW imams, together with the Australian Muslim community, unequivocally condemned the violence, saying such acts have no place in society and calling for accountability.
