On December 14, 2026, Bondi beach was rocked by the worst terrorist attack Australia has seen in over 29 years.
Sajid Akram, 50, and son Naveed Akram, 24, opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration taking place in Archer Park, Bondi, killing at least 15 innocent people and leaving many more injured.
Tributes have poured in from around the world following the deadly attack, as leaders, public figures and celebrities expressed shock, grief and solidarity with the victims and their families.
From political leaders condemning violence and offering condolences, to entertainers and cultural figures sharing personal messages of heartbreak, the response has underscored the global impact of an attack on one of Australia’s most iconic public spaces.
As investigations continue, these statements reflect a collective moment of mourning and a renewed call for unity in the face of violence, hatred and loss.
Prime Minster Anthony Albanese
Just hours after the massacre, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a public statement about the attack. “This was an attack deliberately targeted at the Jewish community,” he began.
On the first day of Hanukah, which of course should a joyous celebration and the Jewish community are hurting today.
“Today, all Australians wrap our arms around them. And say we stand with you. We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out anti-Semitism. It is a scourge and we’ll eradicate it together.”
King Charles
“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,” King Charles said in a statement posted on X.
“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.”
Ben Lee
The musician posted an emotional video message to his Instagram. He began by saying, “Like many of you I’m sure, I didn’t sleep a whole lot last night.
“Just at a loss for words after this horrible terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in Bondi. So firstly, just sending love and support to all of the victims and their families and everyone touched by this tragedy indirectly or directly.
“We had just finished lighting the Hanukkah candles for the first night of Hanukkah at our house. We’re not a religious family, but these types of rituals, they’re poetic and beautiful and fun things for families to share that connect us generationally to stories of hope and courage and resilience.
“I can’t help thinking of the compounded tragedy of people being attacked during the vulnerable and tender moment of sharing a ritual like that, of lighting candles publicly and the senselessness of killing people, at any time, but particularly in that vulnerable moment of reconnecting with myth and story and hope.
“Just be kind to each other.”
Naomi Watts
The actor, who grew up in Australia, shared a message of solidarity with broken hearts.
Kylie Minogue
Minogue shared a short tribute expressing sorrow and support, writing that her “thoughts are with you Bondi”.
Cameron Daddo
The TV personality shared a post on Instagram, writing that “sleep was hard to come by last night”. He continued, “as the sun arrives, hearing the stories and experiences of those in and around Bondi last night has kept me on edge. Thoughts, prayers and love to our friends and Sydney Jewish community and rippling out around the world. There’s most certainly a lot of opinions, deep feelings (of which I have many) and emotions running and will continue for days ahead. Maybe today is THE most important day to be mindful and ask RUOK? listen, listen with love.”
Nigella Lawson
The cookbook author and chef, who has made Australia something of a second home, posted an image of Bondi beach, captioning the post, “My heart is in Bondi right now.”
Zoe Foster Blake
Zoe shared an Instagram story expressing her support for the community. “My heart is with Bondi,” she wrote against an image of Bondi beach at sunrise.
“With the Jewish community. With the families and loved ones of those killed and injured. With the witnesses and helpers and the first responders.
“A dark, tragic, heartbreaking day of unthinkable evil.”
Hamish Blake
Hamish also posted his condolences and support to Instagram. “Grieving today for our friends in the Jewish community, here in Sydney and everywhere, and for the peace shattered by the horror in Bondi yesterday,” he posted against an image of Bondi beach.
“The darkest of days. Heartbreaking. As a lot of us try and explain this to our kids, we look at the first responders and every day Aussies and tourists who rushed to help. That’s what humanity is about.
“We talked to our kids that although this unthinkable thing has happened, that the world is overwhelmingly full of good people. That hate will never win, that we can wrap our arms around our mates and stand for light and love, because light and love always prevail.”
Andy Lee
The podcast host shared a touching tribute, posting an image of Bondi beach with the caption, “Thoughts are with everyone affected by the atrocities in Bondi”.
“Sending love to the Jewish community of Australia and, in particular, Sydney.”
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