On Sunday evening, a chilling mass shooting unfolded at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia, leaving at least 12 people dead and 29 others hospitalized, according to reports from local authorities.
D “Chanukah By The Sea,” this year’s ceremony aimed to commemorate the first night of the Jewish holiday by illuminating the initial candle on the Menorah at 5 p.m. However, that festive spirit was shattered as police confirmed the incident as a targeted attack against the Jewish community, classifying it as an act of terrorism.
According to the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF), officers received alerts about gunfire around 6:45 p.m. Initial findings suggest at least two shooters were responsible, and they are examining the likelihood of a third participant in the ordeal. Tragically, among the deceased is one of the suspected gunmen, while the status of the second shooter is reported as critical.
The repercussions of this violence extend further, with numerous individuals hospitalized, including two police officers. This incident marks the most severe assault on Jewish citizens since the disturbing events of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
ANTISEMITIC ATTACKERS PREVIOUSLY TARGET SYNAGOGUE AND ISRAELI RESTAURANT IN AUSTRALIA
In a distressing update, police reported the discovery of multiple improvised explosive devices located in a vehicle close to the attack site.
“We currently have our bomb disposal unit working in that area,” one officer stated.
Reacting to the assault, Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the matter during an event in Jerusalem, honoring immigrants’ remarkable contributions on that same day. In heartfelt remarks, he stated, “As we speak, our friends and family in Sydney are enduring a brutal assault from despicable terrorists during a moment meant for lighting the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach. Our thoughts are with them. The entire nation of Israel stands in solidarity, praying for the swift recovery of the injured and honoring those who lost their lives.”
AUTRALIA’S JEWISH COMMUNITY INCREASINGLY CONCERNED OVER ANTISEMITISM: ‘FEAR AND ANXIETY’
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FOX NEWS APP
Herzog also urged the Australian government to “take decisive action to combat the significant wave of antisemitism undermining Australian society.”
Original article source:Australian authorities: Bondi Beach shooting was ‘terrorism … designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community’
