Canadians Rally Around Sydney Hanukkah Shooting Victims

A tragic shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach left 16 people dead and 40 others injured, prompting a wave of grief and support from Canadians for the Jewish community in Australia. The incident occurred on December 10, 2023, at the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, which was meant to celebrate the eight-day festival of Hanukkah.

Witnesses reported chaos as shots rang out around 18:45 local time. Video footage captured people fleeing the water as two men, armed with rifles, fired from a footbridge. In a remarkable display of bravery, one man tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen, earning praise from officials. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns referred to him as a “genuine hero.”

The police confirmed that 14 victims died at the scene, while two others—a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man—later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Authorities fatally shot one gunman, a 50-year-old man, while the other, a 24-year-old, was arrested and remains in critical condition. Although one of the attackers was known to security services, officials indicated there was no specific threat prior to the attack. The incident has been declared a terrorist attack.

Canadian Leaders Express Solidarity

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his horror at the event, stating on social media that Canadians stand in solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide. “Canada stands with the people of Australia and Jewish people everywhere in sorrow, and determination never to bow to terrorism, violence, hatred and intimidation,” he wrote.

Many Canadians echoed Carney’s sentiments. Bobbi Zahra, a Jewish woman from Halifax, shared her shock upon hearing the news. “I thought, ‘It’s Hanukkah. We can’t even have a Hanukkah celebration?'” she remarked. Zahra emphasized that Hanukkah symbolizes hope and light, making the attack especially poignant.

Despite the tragedy, leaders within the Jewish community are resolute in their determination to celebrate. Rabbis Avraham E Plotkin and Meir Gitlin from the Tamim Academy of York Region stated, “Tonight, we do not give in to terror.” They plan to continue with their annual menorah lighting, emphasizing the importance of community and resilience in the face of violence.

Calls for Increased Security and Action

In light of the attack, Canadian police agencies are enhancing security measures to protect Jewish communities during the holiday season. Myron Demkiw, Chief of Police in Toronto, announced an increased presence in public spaces, places of worship, and schools. Vancouver police similarly stated they are taking proactive steps to ensure community safety during Hanukkah.

The rise in antisemitic incidents has been alarming in both Australia and Canada. Figures reveal that antisemitic incidents in Australia surged more than three-fold following the outbreak of conflict after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The Australian government’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, noted a dramatic increase in assaults, vandalism, and intimidation against Jewish individuals and institutions.

In Canada, antisemitic hate crimes also spiked, with Statistics Canada reporting an increase from 527 incidents in 2022 to 900 in 2023. The trend continued into 2024 with 816 reported incidents. Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, urged for urgent government action to prevent future violence. “What we need now is for Canadians to wake up and recognize that the same thing could happen here,” he said, emphasizing the need for cooperative efforts to ensure community safety.

The Bondi Beach shooting has not only shaken the Jewish community in Australia but has resonated deeply with communities worldwide, highlighting the pervasive threat of antisemitism and the urgent need for collective action to combat it.