King Charles has expressed his shock and sorrow at the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia, describing it as “the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people.” At least 11 people were killed and 29 others hospitalized, police confirmed. The King said he and Queen Camilla’s “hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully,” praising the “spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia” and adding that the light of Hanukkah “will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
In the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack “sickening” and emphasized that efforts are being made to increase policing of Jewish events. In a statement on X, he said, “The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community,” noting that the government is working with the Community Security Trust (CST) to strengthen security at Hanukkah events across the country.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it has boosted patrols in Jewish neighborhoods and is engaging with community leaders to assess additional safety measures. “It is an awful reality that Jewish communities across the world continue to face a higher level of threat,” the force said. “At a time when London’s Jewish communities are coming together to begin the celebration of Hanukkah, we know this attack will be the cause of not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety.”
The UK’s Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) echoed these concerns, urging authorities to protect Hanukkah events. The council cited the October attack at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, which left two dead, as a reminder of ongoing threats. “We are devastated and angered that in Sydney, Jews appear to have been targeted once again for being Jewish,” the JLC said. “As we prepare to celebrate Chanukah over the next eight nights, we call on government and law enforcement to work with our community to protect Jewish life in the UK.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed the Metropolitan Police would increase its presence in Jewish neighborhoods during the festival, and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said officials were coordinating with CST on security for events nationwide. Police Scotland is carrying out additional patrols near synagogues and other Jewish sites while maintaining communication with faith leaders.
Other officials and public figures expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. Green Party leader Zack Polanski described the attack as a tragedy that has cast a shadow over Hanukkah celebrations. Labour peer Lord Levy called for world leaders to reflect on the rise of antisemitic attacks globally, noting recent incidents in Manchester and Australia.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper advised any British citizens affected by the Bondi Beach shooting to contact the Sydney consulate for assistance. Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, who was at Bondi Beach during the attack, described sheltering in a restaurant as “scary” and praised emergency services for their response, expressing sympathy for all those impacted.
