Why is Israeli President Condemning the Attack on Sydney's Jewish Community?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Israeli President Herzog condemned the violent attack on the Jewish community.
- At least 10 individuals were killed, including the gunman, during the shooting at a Chanukah celebration.
- Authorities are managing an ongoing bomb threat in the area.
- Rising antisemitism in Australia has prompted calls for government action.
- Gideon Sa'ar labeled the attack an outcome of an anti-Semitic rampage.
Tel Aviv, Dec 14 (NationPress) Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed strong disapproval of the violent attack targeting the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected.
Reports from local media indicate that a shooting incident near a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, including the shooter, and left 12 others injured on Sunday evening (local time).
In a post on X, President Herzog stated, "Our hearts go out to our Jewish sisters and brothers in Sydney who have been viciously attacked by despicable terrorists as they gathered to light the first candle of Chanukah."
He mentioned that he had communicated with David Ossip, the President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and speaker at the event, conveying Israel's condolences to the grieving families and prayers for the injured.
"We have repeatedly urged the Australian government to take decisive action against the alarming rise of antisemitism troubling Australian society. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community in Sydney and the broader Australian Jewish community during this dreadful time," he added.
According to ABC News, a second shooter is among the injured and is currently in custody. Authorities have advised the public to steer clear of Bondi Beach, even though both shooters have been neutralized. Police are managing an ongoing bomb threat in the vicinity and are working to disarm what they refer to as an improvised explosive device (IED), local media reported.
In response to the incident, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed his horror, labeling the event as a manifestation of an "anti-Semitic rampage" that has unfolded on Australian streets over the last two years.
"I am horrified by the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia. This is the culmination of an anti-Semitic rampage that has plagued Australia, marked by inflammatory calls such as 'Globalise the Intifada,' which were tragically realized today. The Australian government must heed the numerous warning signs!" Gideon Sa'ar shared on X.