Starmer: Bondi attack ‘sickening’ antisemitism; Qatar condemns but avoids mentioning Jews

Hanukkah “should be a time of celebration and joy,” says British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in response to the deadly shooting in Sydney. “The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening.”

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he writes on X. “The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community. We are actively working with the [Community Security Trust] on the policing of Chanukah events.”

Qatar’s Foreign Minister puts out a statement expressing its “condemnation and denunciation” of the attack, without mentioning antisemitism or that the attack targeted Jews.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm stance against violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of the motives or reasons,” says Qatar’s statement.

“France extends its thoughts to the victims, the injured and their loved ones,” writes French President Emmanuel Macron on X. “We share the pain of the Australian people and will continue to fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred, which hurts us all, wherever it strikes.”