Mamdani calls Bondi Beach shooting ‘vile act of antisemitic terror,’ vows to keep NYC Jews 'safe'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Australia on Sunday, December 14, calling it a “vile act of antisemitic terror” and pledging to safeguard Jewish communities in New York City..

The shooting took place during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, turning a religious gathering into a scene of chaos and fear. Authorities said 15 people, including children, were killed, while at least 29 others were injured in the attack.

Mamdani addressed the tragedy as details continued to emerge, sharing a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. He expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, as well as Jewish communities worldwide grappling with the aftermath of the violence.

Zohran Mamdani responds to Bondi Beach shooting, addresses fears among Jewish communities

“The attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney today was a vile act of antisemitic terror,” Mamdani wrote. “I mourn those who were murdered and will be keeping their families, the Jewish community, and the Chabad movement in my prayers.”

He acknowledged that while authorities were still investigating the full circumstances of the attack, the scale of the loss was already devastating. “May the memories of all those killed be a blessing. While we are still waiting for all the facts to emerge, what we already know is heartbreaking,” he said.

Mamdani placed the attack within a broader global context, noting the growing sense of fear among Jewish communities in different parts of the world. “Another Jewish community plunged into mourning and loss, a holiday of light so painfully reduced to a day of darkness,” he wrote. “This is the latest and most horrifying example in a growing pattern of violence targeting Jewish people worldwide.”

He added that the impact of such violence extends far beyond Australia. “What happened at Bondi is what many Jewish people fear could happen in their own communities too,” Mamdani said.

As Hanukkah began in New York City, the mayor highlighted the emotional toll of the news on local Jewish residents. “Tonight, as Jewish New Yorkers light menorahs and usher in the first night of Hanukkah clouded by grief, we must confront hatred with urgency and action,” he said.

Mamdani also underscored his commitment to public safety, stressing that protecting Jewish New Yorkers would remain a priority. “When I am Mayor, I will work every day to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe on our streets, on our subways, at shul, and in every moment of daily life,” he stated.

Calling for collective responsibility, he added, “Let this be a purpose shared by every New Yorker, and let us push this kind of violence into the past."

Authorities release details on Bondi Beach attack in Australia 

According to BBC News, 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed in the Bondi Beach attack, and one of the shooters also died. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon identified the attackers as a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son.

Officials said 42 people were hospitalized following the shooting, and Australian authorities deployed 328 officers to bolster security around Sydney’s Jewish community in the aftermath of the attack.