Former CEO of the Canadian Jewish Congress Bernie Farber reflects on the similarities between the Bondi Beach shooting and last year’s synagogue attack.
Global Affairs Canada says it is “not aware” of any Canadian citizens impacted in an attack on an Australian beach on Sunday.
The federal agency said consular officials were ready to help any Canadians who were affected, and are working with their counterparts to gather information.
Twelve people, including a gunman, are dead after two shooters attacked a Hanukkah celebration on a popular beach in Sydney. Australia’s prime minister has called the incident on Bondi Beach an act of antisemitic terrorism.
In a statement to CTV News, a Global Affairs spokesperson said, “Canada is horrified by the terror attack today on Bondi Beach in Australia. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy, as well as with the friends and family of the victims.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney is among the Canadian officials who have since spoken about the attack, writing that he was “horrified” by the incident.
“Canada stands with the people of Australia and Jewish people everywhere in sorrow, and determination not to bow to terrorism, violence, hatred and intimidation,” he posted on social media.
“Hanukkah is a time of light amidst the darkness, and a remembrance of the resilience of the Jewish people. May we all support and strengthen that resilience to protect our Jewish communities and to ensure more fundamentally that all people can thrive in every aspect of our society.”