New Delhi [India], December 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, which targeted people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and expressed solidarity with the Australian people.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.”
Extending condolences on behalf of India, he added, “On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.” Reiterating India’s support for Australia, the Prime Minister said, “We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief.” He also underlined India’s position on terrorism, stating, “India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Condemn in the strongest terms the terror attack on Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi Beach, Australia. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
The reactions from Indian leaders came as details emerged about the scale of the attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where more than 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. Authorities later declared the incident a terrorist attack, CNN reported.
The gathering was part of an event titled Chanukah by the Sea, organised by the Australian Jewish community centre Chabad of Bondi. The event was promoted as the “perfect family event to celebrate light, warmth, and community,” featuring “live entertainment, music, games and fun” for all ages. Promotional material urged attendees to “Bring your friends, bring the family, let’s fill Bondi with Joy and Light!”
According to New South Wales Police, the attack took place as families were marking the first night of Hanukkah, with gunfire reported near Archer Park close to Bondi Beach. In the immediate aftermath, the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies advised people to “stay home or remain in shelter” and announced the closure of all events and communal institutions.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the shooting was deliberately targeted at Sydney’s Jewish community. What should have been a “night of peace and joy” was instead “shattered by this horrifying, evil attack,” he said, adding, “Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight.”
Minns also praised a bystander who wrestled a firearm away from one of the attackers, calling him a “genuine hero” whose bravery saved countless lives.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a message to Australia’s Jewish community, said, “Your fellow Australians stand with you tonight in condemning this act of terror.” He stressed unity, saying, “It is aimed at creating fear, but we will stand with the Jewish community and Jewish Australians at this time,” and added, “In this moment of darkness, we must be each other’s light.”
Providing an update on the investigation, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said an improvised explosive device was found in a vehicle linked to the deceased attacker, and a rescue and bomb disposal unit was deployed to the scene. He confirmed the shooting has been declared a terrorist incident and said police are investigating whether a third perpetrator was involved.
Lanyon said there are two known suspects, with one dead and the other in life-threatening condition in hospital, urging calm as the “significant” investigation continues. Premier Minns later confirmed at least 11 people were killed in the attack, including one of the perpetrators, with another taken into custody. He reiterated that the assault was aimed at Australia’s Jewish community.
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