PM Albanese "Forgets" to Mention Jews and Chanukah When Responding to Bondi Beach Shooting

Israeli officials and public figures on Sunday criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s formal response to the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, arguing that even his updated statement failed to acknowledge that the victims were Jewish or that the attack took place during a Jewish religious event.

In a written statement issued several hours after the shooting, Albanese said that “the scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing,” adding that police and emergency responders were “on the ground working to save lives.” He said his thoughts were “with every person affected” and urged people in the area to follow instructions from New South Wales Police.

The statement did not reference Jews, Hanukkah, antisemitism, or the nature of the event that was targeted, despite confirmation that the shooting took place during a public Hanukkah celebration organized by Chabad and attended by hundreds of people, including families and children.

The attack left at least ten people dead and dozens wounded. Among those killed was a Chabad rabbi. Australian police later said the two attackers had been taken into custody and described the incident as a terror attack.

In Jerusalem, Israeli officials said the absence of any reference to the Jewish community or to antisemitism was conspicuous, particularly given the timing of the attack and the broader context of rising antisemitic violence in Australia since October 7, 2023.

Israeli commentators noted that while leaders often issue brief statements in the early stages of unfolding events, Albanese’s later, more considered statement still avoided identifying the victims or the apparent motive. They argued that such omissions risk obscuring the reality that the attack targeted Jews celebrating a religious holiday.

Several Israeli figures contrasted Albanese’s response with statements issued by leaders following attacks on other minority communities, where victims and motivations were explicitly named. They said clarity from political leaders is essential both for public understanding and for signaling zero tolerance for antisemitic violence.

The Foreign Ministry has not announced any formal diplomatic steps but said Israel expects clear condemnation when Jewish communities are attacked abroad. Jewish organizations in Australia also expressed disappointment, saying that acknowledgment of antisemitism is a necessary step toward addressing it.

As investigations continue in Sydney, Israeli officials said they would be watching for further statements from Australian leaders that more directly address the nature of the attack and reaffirm the safety and legitimacy of Jewish communal life in Australia.