Canberra

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday delivered a sombre address to the nation following the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, condemning the attack as an act of terrorism rooted in hatred and antisemitism, and asserting that such violence has no place in Australian society.

Calling the incident a deliberate assault on Jewish Australians, Albanese said the attack took place on the first day of Hanukkah—a time traditionally marked by celebration and faith—making the violence particularly grievous. He described the incident as an act of terror that struck at the moral core of the country.

“There is no place in our nation for hatred, violence or terrorism,” the Prime Minister said, underscoring that Australia would not allow division or fear to define its future.

Albanese said law enforcement agencies were continuing investigations to identify all those involved and to ensure accountability. He assured Australians that authorities would pursue justice relentlessly and work to dismantle the forces behind such acts of extremism.

Emphasising unity, he said the country would respond not with fear but with solidarity. He expressed confidence that Australians from all backgrounds would come together to stand with the Jewish community in rejecting antisemitism and hatred.

“The evil unleashed at Bondi Beach today defies comprehension,” Albanese said, adding that the trauma being experienced by families and loved ones was beyond imagination. He also paid tribute to first responders and civilians who risked their lives by running toward danger to assist others, describing them as heroes.

Appealing for national cohesion, the Prime Minister urged citizens to uphold Australia’s core values, stating that the country would never submit to violence or hatred designed to fracture its social fabric.

Addressing Jewish Australians directly, Albanese said they were not alone, affirming that the broader nation stood firmly beside them in condemning the act of terror.

The Prime Minister’s remarks followed detailed briefings from police authorities on the scale and intent of the attack, which CNN reported was aimed at members of Sydney’s Jewish community.

According to police, at least 11 people were killed and 29 others injured when gunfire erupted at Bondi Beach. Authorities said the identities of the victims had not yet been released.

Investigators confirmed that two suspects were involved in the shooting. One of the alleged attackers was taken into custody in critical condition, while the second suspect was shot dead at the scene. Police have not disclosed the identities of the suspects.

The shooting occurred while more than 1,000 people had gathered at the beach to mark Hanukkah. Law enforcement officials said the nature of the event, the timing of the attack and evidence recovered at the site led authorities to formally classify the incident as a terrorist attack several hours later, CNN reported.

The incident sparked strong reactions internationally, with Israeli officials criticising what they described as a rise in antisemitism in Australia and urging stronger action.

Within Australia, the Jewish Council of Australia condemned the shooting as a deeply disturbing act of antisemitic violence carried out during a festival symbolising light and hope.

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In a statement, the council said many families within the Jewish community were grappling with devastating news. “In moments like this,” it said, “we turn to one another for strength and support.”