Rubio: addresses the Australian FM as the US denounces the “heinous” terror incident at Bondi Beach
Rubio: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke over the phone Sunday (local time) about the antisemitic terrorist incident that attacked Jewish people enjoying the first day of Hanukkah at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
The US State Department announced in a statement attributed to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott that Secretary Rubio “had a call today with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong to discuss the antisemitic terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.”
“The horrific terrorist incident in Australia that targeted a Hanukkah celebration given by Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi is strongly condemned by the United States. This was “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism,” as Prime Minister Albanese said, according to the statement.
“We pray for the victims and their families in solidarity with the Australian people and the Jewish community. We appreciate the brave actions of Australian first responders and onlookers,” the statement said.
“As Jews around the world light Hanukkah candles tonight, they commemorate the triumph of light over darkness and the long history of Jewish resilience in the face of oppression,” the statement stated, alluding to the festival’s importance. Extremist violence and terror should not be a reason for any group to be afraid to openly celebrate its beliefs and customs. Antisemitism is a disease that cannot be tolerated; it must be addressed and eradicated.
The call was made as Australian police announced that at least 40 people are still in hospitals and that the shooting’s dead toll had increased to 16. “Police can confirm 16 people have died and 40 people remain in hospital following yesterday’s shooting at Bondi,” the New South Wales Police Force said in a post on X. Soon, more details will be accessible.
CNN reports that a Jewish community spokesman verified that two people were murdered in the attack: a rabbi and a 12-year-old child.
According to police, while investigations are ongoing, the area around Bondi Beach is still closed. “As detectives continue to search the murder site, Bondi Beach and the surrounding roads will be blocked today. Drones and other aircraft are not allowed to fly above the crime site, the police said in a different post.
In a national speech, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the tragedy, calling it a “devastating terror attack” and pledging support for the nation’s Jewish population.
Albanese also expressed gratitude to the police for their responsiveness in a post on X on Monday. When off-duty policemen arrived in Bondi to assist yesterday night, it was evident how committed and dedicated police officers are.
They are Australia’s finest. At Bondi Police Station, I was given a briefing and had the opportunity to thank several officers in person. He tweeted, “I want to thank all of our police officers for their bravery and service.”
In a previous post on X, Rubio said, “The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration.” He said, “Antisemitism has no place in this world,” and concluded, “Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.”