Bondi beach massacre: Northern Ireland politicians stand with Jewish community after terrorist attack which killed 12
Politicians from across the spectrum have expressed solidarity with the Jewish community after what its Belfast members called “a shocking terrorist attack” on Jewish families in Australia.
Two terrorists opened fire on a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday evening, leaving at least 12 dead and 29 injured.
New South Wales Police said the gunmen targeted a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, also known as Chanukah.
Chairman of the Belfast Jewish Community, Neville Finch, said their congregation has relatives in Sydney who know at least one person who was killed.
"The Members of the Belfast Jewish Community are heartbroken at the news of the shocking terrorist attack upon innocent men, women and children gathered on Bondi Beach to celebrate the Festival of Chanukah," he said.
"This treacherous attack was perpetuated for the sole purpose of killing Jews. It is the direct result of the mounting worldwide antisemitism.The Community stands four square with our Jewish Brothers and Sisters in Australia at this tragic time."
Those who spoke out in support of the Jewish community included the DUP, UUP, TUV, Alliance, Sinn Fein, Sir Keir Starmer, King Charles and Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
Daniel O'Dowd of the Ireland Israel Alliance said: "As Jews today gather to celebrate the first night of Channukah, we were met with the news of the evil acts of terror perpetrated against our brothers and sisters in Australia.
"The story of Chanukah tells of Jewish resilience and courage in the face of evil, today we need that courage and resilience to persevere.
"Once more we must wait to learn of the true scale of the devastation towards our people. One cannot help notice that our festivals are the targets of terrorists the world over."
DUP leader Gavin Robin Robinson said that “the chilling terror” of the attack and “the anti-semitic hate underlying it reverberates around the world”. He noted that it came “so soon” after the Manchester Synagogue attack in October.
Speaking on X, Mr Robinson added: “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and with our Jewish community in Belfast. You are not alone. We stand with you."
Politicians from across the spectrum also spoke out on social media.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the scenes on Bondi Beach as “heartbreaking”. She added: “I want to extend my thoughts, support and solidarity to the families and friends of the victims, to the Jewish community, and to all the people of Sydney. Sydney holds a very special place in the hearts of many here in Ireland, and we stand with them at this devastating time.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was “truly appalled at the “terrible, antisemitic violent attack”.
She added: “What was a festival and occasion of joy and of celebration, of light in the darkness has, through evil, has become a day of grief, loss and horror. Our thoughts are with the victims, all those injured and the family and friends of those murdered.”
TUV leader Jim Allister MP said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the murders also noting that NI has close ties with Australia and so the attack will “resonate deeply across our community”.
He added: “This atrocity must be understood in its wider context. It forms part of a deeply disturbing global pattern of terrorism driven by militant Islamist ideology, which has increasingly targeted Jewish people in particular.”
Jewish people in NI “are not immune from the global rise in antisemitic intimidation and violence” he said, adding that such attacks “inevitably increase fear and anxiety closer to home and underline the need for vigilance and solidarity”.
The UUP said it was “shocked and horrified” by the scenes from what was “a vile act of terror”. In a statement, it said: “The dreadful attack took place during an event marking the first day of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. For those of us in Northern Ireland, this tragedy feels painfully close.
"Our deep historical and cultural ties with Australia mean that when they suffer, we share in that grief. These bonds remind us that violence anywhere is an affront to the values we hold dear everywhere.
“At a time when communities across the world are gathering for light and hope, such darkness is hard to comprehend.”
Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood said news of the attack was “absolutely horrifying”. She added: “Praying for the families of those who have been murdered, those who were there, first Responders and all those caught up in this horror.”
In the Republic of Ireland, Gardai are increasing patrols at Jewish centres and events.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was “shocked and appalled” by the attack.
He added: “Our prayers go to the families and friends of those lost, the injured, first responders, and people of Australia at this distressing time. Such hate and violence can never be tolerated.”