Sydney: The Australian office of the Pontifical Mission Societies has strongly condemned the horrific attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, which claimed 15 lives and left 25 people injured. The Catholic organization described the incident as âdestructive violenceâ with no place in Australian society, extending heartfelt sympathy to the victims, their families, and the broader community affected by the tragedy.
In a statement released following Sundayâs attack, Catholic Mission Australia, the national branch of the Pontifical Mission Societies, expressed solidarity with those present at the event in Bondi, as well as their loved ones and friends. âOur hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,â the statement read, emphasizing the need for peace, dialogue, and mutual respect in the wake of such a senseless act. The organization also shared a prayer for the victims, available on its social media channels.
The Pontifical Mission Societies echoed the statement issued by the Australian Catholic Bishopsâ Conference, which denounced the violence as a âdark and destructive stainâ on a nation that prides itself on tolerance and hospitality. The Bishopsâ statement highlighted that the attack was fueled by antisemitism, targeting Australiaâs Jewish community, and underscored that such hatred threatens not only the Jewish population but society as a whole.
The Bishops urged all Australians to reject hatred and violence, and instead commit to building peace within families, communities, and society at large. âThe loss of innocent lives is an immeasurable tragedy,â the statement said, referring to the profound grief experienced by the families of those killed.
Authorities have classified the incident as a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State. The perpetrators were identified as a father and son; the elder man was killed by police during the confrontation, while the younger suspect, an Australian-born citizen, is currently hospitalized. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that the younger suspect had been previously monitored by Australian intelligence agencies since 2019.
Among the 25 injured, ten are in critical condition. One survivor, Ahmed al Ahmed, gained attention after disarming one of the attackers, demonstrating remarkable courage in the midst of chaos. The victims included a rabbi, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
Since the attack, thousands of Australians have gathered in Bondi to pay their respects, leaving flowers and messages at a makeshift memorial as the community mourns the lives lost and prays for the recovery of the injured.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Catholic Mission Australia reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmony, dialogue, and mutual understanding across communities. The organization emphasized that acts of terror cannot weaken societyâs resolve to stand together against hatred. âWe will continue to work for peace, compassion, and respect for all,â the statement concluded, calling on Australians to unite in solidarity and reject violence in all its forms.