‘Australia Stands United Against Hatred’: PM Albanese Lights Chanukah Candle After Sydney Attack

Last Updated:December 15, 2025, 16:09 IST

Police identified the gunmen as a 50-year-old father, who was killed during the confrontation, and his 24-year-old son, who remains in critical condition under police guard.

A handout photo taken and released by the Australian Prime Minister's Office on December 15, 2025 shows Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese laying flowers at the Bondi Pavillion at Bondi Beach. (AFP)

Following the attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that claimed 16 lives, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday expressed solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community, lighting a Chanukah candle and reiterating the nation’s resolve to stand united against hatred and terror.

Taking to X, Albanese said the coming days were a time to “hold the Jewish community close," as families around the world mark the eight nights of Chanukah by lighting candles symbolising hope and resilience passed down through generations.

“Tonight and over the coming days, we are holding the Jewish community close. For the 8 nights of Chanukah, Jewish families around the world fill their windows with light – something that has been passed down through generations," he wrote on X.

Albanese said the act of lighting a candle was not only a religious observance but also a powerful symbol of standing up to hate. “Tonight, I am lighting a candle in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community. Because when antisemitism and hate rears its ugly head, we don’t shy away. We will confront the darkness with light. Together," he said.

Underscoring his message of unity amid growing concerns over antisemitism, the Prime Minister further added, “In moments like this, we must come together. Australia stands united against hatred and terror."

The Prime Minister’s message comes after 16 people were killed and dozens were left attack following an attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday.

Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire at around 6:47 pm local time at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular tourist locations. The shooting took place during an annual Hanukkah event attended by about 1,000 people, police said.

Police identified the gunmen as a 50-year-old father, who was killed during the confrontation, and his 24-year-old son, who remains in critical condition under police guard. The father was licensed to own six firearms, all believed to have been used in the attack.

The incident was subsequently classified as a terrorist attack, prompting a joint counter-terrorism operation.

News world ‘Australia Stands United Against Hatred’: PM Albanese Lights Chanukah Candle After Sydney Attack

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