Anti-Semitism ‘Plaguing’ Australia: Israeli President Responds to Sydney Terrorist Shooting Attack

At least 11 people are dead and 29 injured after a terrorist attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Sydney.

A member of the Jewish community reacts as he walks with police towards the scene of a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Dec. 14, 2025. David Gray/ AFP via Getty Images

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has expressed his condolences to Jewish revellers attacked by “vile terrorists” in Bondi Beach, Sydney.

This comes after at least 11 people were killed in a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach at a Jewish Chanukah by the Sea event at 6:47 p.m. on Dec. 14.

“Our hearts go out to our Jewish sisters and brothers in Sydney who have been attacked by vile terrorists as they went to light the first candle of Chanukah,” he said on X.

Herzog said he had reached out to David Ossip, president of the New South Wales (NSW) Jewish Board of Deputies, who was speaking at the event as the shooting attack began.

“I conveyed on behalf of the entire nation of Israel our condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the wounded,” he said.

He expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, highlighting their longstanding call on the government to combat anti-semitism.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community of Sydney and the entire Australian Jewish community at this horrific time,” Herzog said.

“Time and again, we called on the Australian government to take action and fight against the enormous wave of anti-semitism that is plaguing Australian society.”

NSW Police Declare Terrorist Attack

NSW Police officially declared the Bondi Beach mass shooting a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.

One of the two shooters is dead, while the other is in custody and in critical condition.

One of the gunman has been identified as Naveed Akram.

Twenty-nine people have been taken to hospital, with two police officers among the injured, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed.

Israel Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said he was “in shock from this mass murder.”

“Since Oct. 7, we have witnessed a series of actions against the Jewish community and its institutions, a series that only intensified,” he said on Israeli TV.

An Attack on Every Australian: Prime Minister

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.

“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in this nation,” he told reporters.

“Let me be clear. We will eradicate it.”

Albanese said the evil that was unleashed on Bondi Beach was beyond comprehension.

“Australians have had their lives cruelly stolen,” he said.

“On behalf of all Australians to the Jewish community, we stand with you, we embrace you ... you enrich us as a nation.

“All Australians are with you today, and every day.”

Albanese said Australian authorities would see justice done

“In this moment of darkness, we must be each other’s light, hold on to the true character of a country that we love,” he said.