Bury MPs condemn Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia

More than 1,000 people were attending an event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach to mark the first day of Hanukkah.

Just before 7pm on Sunday, local time, shots were fired leaving at least 12 people dead, and more than two dozen injured.

One gunman was killed by police, with another in hospital, and police are investigating whether a third person was involved.

The gunmen, armed with what police have described as “long guns”, opened fire on the Archer Park area of the popular beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday, New South Wales Police explained.

The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, also known as Chanukah, the force confirmed.

Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South, condemned the attack and said he thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community in New South Wales.

He said: “Whilst Jewish communities are coming together to celebrate Chanukah, I wanted to take a moment to send my thoughts and prayers to those in the Jewish community in New South Wales, Australia, where yet again we see Jewish communities attacked, this time at a Chanukah event at Bondi Beach.

“I pray that the Festival of Lights brings hope, peace and comfort – but I know the reality and the fear that persists in the Jewish community for just being themselves.

“Chanukah Sameach.”

James Frith, MP for Bury North, called the attack “deeply shocking”.

He said: “Happy Chanukah to all those celebrating today.

“It was deeply shocking to learn of the antisemitic attack in Sydney this morning, on a day meant to be marked by peace, joy and celebration.

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families, and with Jewish communities across the world.”

Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkden, also condemned the attack and said it’s a “stark reminder” that “peace and security matter for all”.

She said: “As Hanukkah begins, I send warm wishes to our Jewish communities in Bolton South and Walkden.

“The Bondi Beach tragedy is a stark reminder that peace and security matter for all.

“May light overcome darkness.”

British-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, has been named as one of the victims.

The family of London-born Eli Schlanger have described him as a “joyful rabbi”.

The father-of-five grew up in Temple Fortune, north London, and had family members at Kinloss Synagogue in Finchley, according to Jewish News.

The 41-year-old and his wife, Chayala, celebrated the birth of their youngest child, a boy, two months ago.

In a message to the people of Australia, the King said he was “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack”.

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It comes amid a rise in antisemitic attacks in both Australia and the UK since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the following conflict in Gaza.

Earlier this year in Prestwich, the Heaton Park Synagogue was targeted in an attack which left two people dead.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, tragically lost their lives in the attack.

Jihad Al-Shamie, who was on bail for an alleged rape, was shot dead by police as he targeted the place of worship on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

In light of the Bondi Beach attack, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have announced they will step up patrols to reassure Greater Manchester’s Jewish community.

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A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the recent attack targeting the Jewish community on Bondi Beach, Australia, and understand the concerns this may cause locally, and for those attending Hanukkah celebrations in the coming days.

“Please be assured that we are working closely with partners and event organisers to ensure the safety and security of all those attending any community events.

“You may notice increased visible patrols around the city and in local areas. Please feel free to speak to our officers and let them know if you have any concerns.”