Sydney: Australia’s Catholic leadership has responded with sorrow, prayer, and a strong condemnation of antisemitism following a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which police have classified as a terrorist attack. The violence, which unfolded on Sunday evening during the first night of Hanukkah, claimed the lives of 12 people and left at least 29 others injured.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney called on the faithful to unite in prayer in the immediate aftermath of the Dec. 14 attack. Expressing deep anguish over the incident, he invited Australians to pray for those killed and wounded, as well as for all who were traumatised by the sudden eruption of violence. Entrusting the city to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he prayed for peace and healing for Sydney and for everyone affected by the tragedy.
The Archbishop also remembered the many attendees who were forced to flee for their lives and offered prayers for police officers, paramedics, and emergency personnel who responded swiftly under extremely dangerous conditions.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said the attack had profoundly shaken the nation and laid bare what he described as “the scourge of antisemitism” within society. In a statement issued on Dec. 14, he said the motivations behind the attack were now clearly linked to hatred toward the Jewish community, a reality he described as both shocking and deeply troubling.
He warned that such blind prejudice represents a dark and destructive stain on Australian society, threatening not only Jewish citizens but the social fabric of the nation as a whole. Archbishop Costelloe stressed that no grievance or ideology could ever justify such brutality and urged Australians to ensure that their anger does not give rise to further hatred or violence.
The attack took place during the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, a public event marking the beginning of the Jewish festival of lights. Police said two gunmen opened fire on the gathering shortly after sunset. One of the suspected attackers was killed at the scene, while another was arrested. Authorities are investigating whether a third individual may have been involved.
Archbishop Costelloe paid tribute to the courage of police officers, first responders, and civilians who acted selflessly during the chaos. He also acknowledged the bravery of individuals who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others as panic spread through the crowd.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns highlighted the actions of a bystander who reportedly tackled one of the attackers and wrested a shotgun from him, describing the man as a “genuine hero” whose actions likely prevented further loss of life.
Police later revealed that improvised explosive devices were discovered in a vehicle linked to the deceased attacker. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the presence of explosives, the choice of target, and the timing on the first night of Hanukkah led authorities to formally declare the incident an act of terrorism. A bomb disposal unit was immediately deployed to secure the area.
Among those injured were two police officers hurt while responding to the shooting, according to national broadcaster ABC. Several victims remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence in the strongest terms, calling it a “dark moment for our nation.” He described the shooting as a targeted attack against Jewish Australians and an act of profound evil, stressing that an attack on one community is an attack on the entire country.
Concluding his message, Archbishop Costelloe appealed for unity, peace, and moral resolve. He urged Australians to reject hatred in all its forms and to recommit themselves to being peacemakers within families, communities, and the wider society, affirming that only solidarity and compassion can overcome the forces of violence and division.