World leaders have condemned the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations, as authorities confirmed at least 16 people were killed, including one of the shooters, and more than 40 were injured.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was “deeply shocked” by the attack. “I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms. We stand in solidarity with Jewish communities everywhere. Anti-Semitism and hatred have no place in our societies,” he said.
The attack occurred on the first evening of Hanukkah near the Chanukah by the Sea festival, where Jewish Sydneysiders had gathered to celebrate. Gunmen opened fire on a packed crowd at the beach.
Deeply shocked by today’s attacks in Sydney during Hanukkah celebration. I condemn this violence in the strongest terms. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish communities everywhere. Antisemitism and hatred have no place in our societies.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) December 14, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised Australia’s leadership, accusing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of failing to curb antisemitism.
“Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire,” Netanyahu said, adding: “You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country. You took no action.”
Albanese declined to directly respond to the criticism, saying it was a “moment for national unity”. He described the shooting as “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location”.
US President Donald Trump described the shooting as a “terrible” and “obviously an antisemitic” attack, sending his well-wishes to Albanese and the Australian people. He also praised a bystander who disarmed one of the gunmen, calling him “a very, very brave person”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog labelled the shooting a “cruel” attack and urged stronger action, saying there was an “enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society”. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he was “appalled” and warned Australia “must come to its senses!”
A message from The King to the people of Australia following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. pic.twitter.com/yopJaWZF9s
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 14, 2025
King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack”, adding that the “light at the heart of the Chanuka Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
Condemnations also came from leaders across Europe, Asia and the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “horrified” by the “heinous, deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred.”
As investigations continue, leaders worldwide reiterated calls to confront antisemitism and ensure Jewish communities can practise their faith “openly and without fear.”
