New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday denounced in unequivocal terms the terror attack that disrupted Hanukkah celebrations at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, expressing India’s solidarity with those affected and their families.

In a message shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he strongly condemns the attack on the Hanukkah gathering in Bondi Beach and extended condolences to the victims and their loved ones.

The minister’s remarks came as further details surfaced about the incident, which unfolded during a large public Hanukkah event attended by over 1,000 people at Bondi Beach. Authorities later officially designated the shooting as a terrorist act, according to reports cited by CNN.

The event, titled Chanukah by the Sea, was organised by Chabad of Bondi, a Jewish community centre in Australia. Promotional material for the gathering described it as a family-friendly celebration of light, warmth and togetherness, featuring music, games and entertainment for people of all ages, and encouraged families and friends to join in marking the festival.

According to New South Wales Police, the shooting occurred as families were observing the first night of Hanukkah. Gunfire was reported near Archer Park, located close to Bondi Beach.

In response to the attack, the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies urged community members to remain indoors or seek shelter, while announcing the temporary closure of all Jewish events and communal institutions across the state.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the assault was a deliberate attempt to target Sydney’s Jewish community. Describing the incident, he said what should have been an evening of joy and peace was instead turned into a scene of horror, adding that his thoughts were with the Jewish community during a moment of profound grief.

Minns also commended the bravery of a man captured in videos circulating online, who confronted one of the attackers and managed to wrestle the firearm away. Calling the act extraordinary, the premier said the individual put his own life at risk and likely saved many others.

“That man is a true hero,” Minns said at a press conference, adding that many lives were spared because of his courage.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also addressed the Jewish community, assuring them of the nation’s support and condemning the act of terror. He said the attack was intended to spread fear and division, but stressed that Australians would stand united against hatred and violence.

“In moments of darkness, we must be each other’s light,” Albanese said, reaffirming that Australia would never yield to division or hatred.

Responding to questions about rising antisemitism since October 7, 2023, Albanese said the government has taken the issue seriously and continues to act against it.

Providing updates on the investigation, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said an improvised explosive device was discovered inside a vehicle linked to the deceased attacker, prompting the deployment of bomb disposal and rescue units.

He confirmed that the incident has been classified as a terrorist attack and said investigators are examining the possibility of a third suspect. Lanyon stated that two perpetrators have been identified so far—one of whom was killed at the scene, while the other remains in hospital in critical condition.

Urging calm as the investigation continues, the police commissioner said the Jewish community has every right to feel safe.

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Premier Minns later confirmed that at least 11 people lost their lives in the attack, reiterating that the violence was directed at Australia’s Jewish population.