Taoiseach and world leaders react to deadly shooting at Bondi Beach
Kenneth Fox
At least 11 people were killed and dozens wounded when gunmen opened fire during a Jewish holiday event at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, Australian officials said.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "shocked and appalled" by the attack, which targeted Sydney’s Jewish community.
"Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of those lost, the injured, the first responders, and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.
"There can be no place for hatred or violence anywhere, in particular at a time of celebration for many as people gathered to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach.
"At a lecture honouring the historian Dermot Keogh just two days ago, I noted that antisemitism has been one of the most consistent and pernicious prejudices throughout history, providing the foundation for murderous outrages in many eras and many places.
"This latest evil act in Sydney is a further manifestation of the murderous hate spawned by antisemitism," he said.
Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Sydney attack. pic.twitter.com/4tj41tLxst
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 14, 2025
Meanwhile, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, said she was deeply shocked and saddened following the appalling and antisemitic attack on a Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
"I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to the Jewish community everywhere at this time, mindful of the beginning of this Hanukkah period.
"I offer these condolences on behalf of the people of Ireland to the people of Australia, especially all who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured.
"I particularly join with all those Irish people living in Sydney who will be appalled by this horrific act of violence. Such violence is to be utterly condemned and has no place for all of us who are committed to peace in our world," she said.
Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, said: "This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.
"At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage."
Britain's King Charles said: "My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
"Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community. We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy."
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said, "In Sydney, an antisemitic terrorist attack struck families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. France extends its thoughts to the victims, the injured and their loved ones.
"We share the pain of the Australian people and will continue to fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred, which hurts us all, wherever it strikes."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia."
German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said: "The antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah leaves me utterly shocked.
"My thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is an attack on our shared values. We must fight antisemitism - here in Germany and around the world."
Finally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the prime minister of Australia. I told him that their policies pour fuel on the antisemitic fire. It encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets. Antisemitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent, and you must replace weakness with action.
"This didn't happen in Australia, and something terrible happened there today: cold-blooded murder. The number of those murdered, sadly, grows with each moment."
Additional reporting Reuters
