The South African government has expressed its condolences to the people and Government of the Commonwealth of Australia following the tragic terrorist attacks in Sydney.
This follows an incident that happened on 14 December 2025, a terrorist mass shooting took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, during a large Hanukkah celebration called Chanukah by the Sea.
It is reported that the incident occurred in the late afternoon near a park area where families and community members had gathered to mark the start of the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Two gunmen opened fire on the crowd, killing at least 16 people, including a 10‑year‑old girl, and injuring more than 40 others, among them police officers.
According to international reports, the attackers were reportedly a father and son, with the elder gunned down by police at the scene and the younger taken into custody in critical condition.
It is revealed that emergency services responded quickly, with police declaring the incident a terrorist attack. The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, described it as “an act of evil antisemitism” and vowed to address the hate that fuelled the violence.
On a video that has gone viral, a civilian can be seen tackling and disarming one of the gunmen, an act credited with preventing further loss of life.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected, particularly the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims,” said the government in a statement.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this senseless act of violence, which appears to have specifically targeted the Jewish community while they were observing Hanukkah at Bondi Beach. There is no justification for terrorism or attacks on any group based on faith or identity.”
Saturday Star
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