Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the armed attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, describing it as a “heinous crime” against innocent civilians. In a tweet on the X platform, Sa’ar said he was shocked by the “terrorist attack” targeting a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney.
Saar argued that the events were a direct result of what he described as anti-Semitic incitement on the streets of Australia over the past two years. He added that the inflammatory slogans of “globalizing the intifada” had now materialized. He called on the Australian government to take immediate action, saying it had received countless warning signs and needed to “wake up.”
This comes as organizers decided to cancel Hanukkah celebrations in Melbourne earlier this evening as a precautionary measure following the attack on the Jewish community in Sydney.
The Community Security Group also announced that the Hanukkah celebration at Caulfield Racecourse had ended early. Those present were asked to leave the site and return home.
On the official level, the Australian Cabinet’s National Security Committee is holding an emergency meeting in the capital, Canberra. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is attending the meeting to discuss the security developments and the necessary measures. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen said she was horrified by what had happened, emphasizing that all residents of Victoria stand with New South Wales and all those grieving during this time.
According to Australian authorities, the death toll from Sunday evening’s mass shooting has risen to ten, including one of the attackers who was killed during clashes with police. Twelve civilians sustained injuries of varying severity, in addition to two police officers. Government sources indicated that the number of victims is likely to rise further due to the critical condition of some of the injured. Local media outlets, citing informed sources, also reported expectations that the final death toll will increase.
