Australian Muslim leaders have passionately condemned the horrific Bondi Beach massacre that claimed at least twelve lives, declaring: “violence and crimes have no place in our society.”
At least 12 people were killed, and 29 others injured, after gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah by the Sea event at Bondi Beach in Sydney on the first night of the Jewish festival. Australian police confirmed multiple fatalities, including one of the attackers, and said the threat was no longer active after suspects were taken into custody.
The shooting took place near Bondi Park Playground, where Jewish families had gathered to mark the start of the Jewish Hanukkah festival.
Authorities said an improvised explosive device was also located at the scene, prompting an exclusion zone as emergency services responded with dozens of medical teams and police units.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes as shocking and distressing, as investigators continue to assess the motive behind what officials have described as a “terrorist attack” targeting the Jewish community.
Muslim condemnation
The Australian National Imams Council issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with all those affected. The council said the Australian Muslim community unequivocally condemns the shootings and rejected violence in all its forms.
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In its statement, the council said: “These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.”
It added that its hearts, thoughts, and prayers were with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were impacted by the attack.
The statement also acknowledged the wider impact on the community, saying, “We acknowledge the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extend our sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving.”
The council urged people to remain vigilant and support one another, calling the moment one for unity, compassion, and solidarity across Australia.
Condemnation and messages of support also came from Muslims based in the UK.
The Muslim Council of Britain also issued a statement expressing sorrow and shock following the shooting. It said, “The MCB expresses its deep sorrow and shock following the horrific mass shooting that occurred at Bondi Beach, Sydney.”
The council added, “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those injured in this act of violence, particularly those from the Jewish community who were targeted while celebrating the start of Hanukkah.” It concluded by stating, “There can be no justification, religious, political or otherwise, for such evil, premeditated mass murder,” calling on society to counter hatred and build bridges rather than walls.
Elsewhere, the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the attack in a public statement, saying: “Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy.”
“The news that the Bondi Beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
He said the UK would always stand with Australia and the Jewish community, adding that British authorities were working with community partners on the policing of Chanukah events. Australian authorities have said investigations are ongoing and that there is currently no confirmed public evidence establishing the motive of the attackers.
