One suspect killed, another critically injured; PM Albanese condemns attack as an act of antisemitism.
Sydney terror attack left at least 11 people dead after two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish holiday event at Bondi Beach on Sunday, wounding at least 29 others, including two police officers. The event has been described as a terrorist attack by Australian police and the officials. One gunman was shot dead by police, the second shooter was critically injured and police are investigating the involvement of a third gunman. It is being described as the deadliest attack in nearly three decades in a country with strict gun control laws. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a meeting of the country’s National Security Council and condemned the attack and said, the evil that was unleashed was“beyond comprehension”. He termed this is as a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should have been a day of joy and a celebration of faith. “Reacting to this attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to condemn the “ghastly terrorist attack and said, on behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism”, said Mr. Modi.
Act of bravery
Far more people would have been killed, had a bystander, identified by local media as a fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, not intervened during the shooting. He charged the gunman from behind and wrestled a rifle from his hand. Many could have been saved due to his courage said Chris Minns, premier of New South Wales, the state where Sydney is located, he called the bystander “a genuine hero”. PM Albanese praised the actions of Australians who ran towards danger in order to help others.
World leaders condemn the heinous attack
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the attack on Jewish gathering “sickening” and that “the United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community.” The police in London said they would step up security at Jewish sites. U.S. reacted in a post on X saying that “The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration. Antisemitism has no place in this world.” Whereas, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the shooting left him “speechless” and called on global leaders to halt the expansion of antisemitic violence. French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the terrorist attack. In a social media post, President Macron said France extends its thoughts to the victims, the injured and their loved ones. The Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni urged maintaining a firm resolve to end every form of violence and antisemitism. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is united against violence, hatred and antisemitism.
An act of anti semitism
PM Anthony Albanese said the attack appeared to be antisemitic, noting that it targeted a Jewish holiday event on the first day of Hanukkah. He told authorities were treating the incident with the utmost seriousness, amid concerns that it may have been antisemitic in nature. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, said Mr. Albanese. Sunday’s shootings were the most serious of a string of antisemitic attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars in Australia since the beginning of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023. Australia, a country of 28 million people, is home to about 117,000 Jews, according to official figures.
