Global Leaders Unite in Condemnation of Antisemitic Terror Attack at Bondi Beach

Horrific Attack Shakes Bondi Beach

A devastating antisemitic terror attack unfolded at Archer Park beside Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on December 14, 2025. The incident, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad of Bondi, resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including one of the perpetrators, and left 43 others injured. Australian authorities swiftly declared the mass shooting a terrorist incident, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as 'an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism and terrorism on our shores' and a 'targeted attack on Jewish Australians'.

Perpetrators Identified, Motive Confirmed

The New South Wales Police Force and Australian intelligence agencies identified the perpetrators as Sajid Akram, who was killed by police at the scene, and his son, Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken into custody. Investigations revealed that Islamic State flags were found in a vehicle belonging to one of the alleged shooters, solidifying the motive as antisemitism inspired by Islamic extremism. This attack marks Australia's deadliest terror incident and its second-deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

International Outcry and Condemnation

The attack drew immediate and widespread condemnation from global leaders:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident as a 'very cruel attack on Jews' and called on Australia to 'fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism'. He also praised an unarmed bystander, Ahmed al-Ahmed, who heroically intervened and disarmed one of the gunmen, despite being shot multiple times.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla stated they were 'appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people'.
• French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack and vowed that France would 'fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred'. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed a French citizen, Dan Elkayam, was among the deceased, calling the act a 'tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred'.
• Other leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also voiced their horror and solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community.

Community Support and Ongoing Investigation

In the wake of the tragedy, the Australian government, led by Prime Minister Albanese, pledged to advocate for stricter gun laws and reaffirmed its commitment to combating antisemitism. The New South Wales government also activated support programs for victims and their families, offering counselling and financial assistance. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with authorities examining potential radicalisation and the movements of the perpetrators.