Starmer Condemns 'Sickening' Attack on Jewish Community in Bondi

Sir Keir Starmer has described the attack targeting the Jewish community at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia, as "sickening." The incident, a shooting, resulted in at least 11 deaths and 29 hospitalizations, according to local police.

The UK government is responding to the tragedy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated on X that "The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community." He also noted that the government is collaborating with the Community Security Trust (CST) to enhance security measures at Hanukkah events throughout the UK.

The Metropolitan Police have announced increased vigilance in response to the attack. The force is increasing its "police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do." They acknowledged the heightened threat level faced by Jewish communities globally.

"It is an awful reality that Jewish communities across the world continue to face a higher level of threat," the police stated, recognizing the anxiety the attack has caused as London's Jewish community prepares to celebrate Hanukkah.

The UK's Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) has urged the police and government to provide protection for Hanukkah events, which began Sunday evening and will last eight days. Their call to action comes after an October attack on a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, which resulted in two fatalities.

Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is typically observed in December.