Emergency workers were praised by King Charles who said he was left ‘appalled and saddened’ by the fatal terror attack at a Hannukah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney
King Charles has issued a message following the deadly terror attack during a Hannukah celebration on Bondi Beach.
The monarch said he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and saddened” by the shocking incident that left at least 12 people dead and 29 others injured, according to local police. Horror footage showed people fleeing as two gunmen descended on the popular beach at around 6.45pm on Sunday, local time. King Charles, who is also the head of state in Australia, issued a message following the antisemitic terror attack.
The King said: “My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.”
READ MORE: Met Police step up visibility at Hanukkah events following Bondi Beach terror attackREAD MORE: Bondi Beach shooting updates as London-born Rabbi among 11 shot dead by terrorists
King Charles praised the fast work of emergency services as two police officers were rushed to hospital and said to be in a “serious, verging on critical” condition.
The King added: “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community. We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales also praised the bravery of emergency workers and said they “stand with the Jewish community in grief”.
In a statement, William and Kate said: “Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief. We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers. W & C.”
New South Wales police said the fatal attack was a terror incident and “targeted attack” on the first day of the Jewish holiday of Hannukah. One gunman is dead with the second shooter allegedly in a critical condition.
Over 1,000 people gathered on the famous beach and NSW premier, Chris Minns, said the gunmen started shooting at “a crowded group of families” at about 6.47pm. Minns added: “This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith. [It was] an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation.”
One of the victims killed in the horror terror attack was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, who was born and raised in London.
According to his family, he grew up in North London and attended the Kinloss synagogue in Finchley. It is understood that Rabbi Schlanger, a 41-year-old father of five,and his wife Chayala welcomed their youngest child, a baby boy, two months ago.
