King Charles condemned “the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people” as he hailed heroic members of the general public for stopping a good larger bloodbath.
His Majesty led political leaders within the condemnation of the Hanukkah atrocity in Bondi Beach, which claimed the lives of at the least 12 individuals, together with one of many gunmen.
And the monarch praised “the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy”.
London-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger was amongst these killed within the assault, his household has confirmed.
In a outstanding act of bravery, Ahmed al Ahmed hid behind a automotive earlier than pouncing on one of many gunmen on the Hanukkah mass taking pictures and disarming him.
The King mentioned: “My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.
“We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales mentioned their ideas had been with each Australian following the mass taking pictures.
They mentioned: “Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.
“We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers. “
At least 12 people were killed, including one of the gunmen who was shot dead by police, and 29 injured after gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney earlier in the day.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy.
“The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community. We are actively working with the Community Security Trust on the policing of Chanukah events.”
And the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, mentioned Jewish individuals will “rebuild with tenacity” after the “unspeakable atrocity”.
He mentioned: “As we kindle our first Chanukah lights this evening, we hold the victims of the unspeakable atrocity in Sydney in our hearts and in our prayers.
“We mourn the loss of the innocent lives taken so brutally in this act of hatred and terror and we pray for a speedy recovery for all those injured.
“Once again, Jews have been targeted for the crime of gathering together proudly as Jews and it is hard to find the words to adequately express our pain.
“Our traditional Jewish response is clear: In the spirit of the defiant Maccabees, who declared that they would never be cowed nor denied the right to live and worship freely, we are strong and resilient.
“We will rebuild with tenacity, and we will continue to gather together to celebrate the light of our tradition and our values even more openly and proudly.”
Tory chief Kemi Badenoch added: “As Jews across the UK gather to welcome Chanukah, we must once again remind ourselves of the enduring power of the story of the Maccabees, not only to Jewish history but to universal themes of resilience, courage, and hope. We need them more than ever in the battle of light over darkness.”
Police revealed they discovered “several improvised explosive devices” in a automotive linked to the lifeless gunman.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese instructed a press convention in Canberra that the Bondi Beach assault was “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism”.
He mentioned: “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.
“An act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation, an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated on this attack on our way of life.
“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.
“Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith at this dark moment for our nation.
But Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accused the Australian government of “promoting and encouraging” anti-Semitism within the months main as much as the Bondi Beach terror assault.
Mr Netanyahu mentioned he had written earlier this yr to Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, warning that recognising a Palestinian state would “pour fuel on the anti-Semitic fire”.
“It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2146158/king-charles-Australia-Bondi-Beach-Sydney