Muslim Responses to Attack on Jewish Community at Bondi Beach Australia

Two gunman, allegedly a father, 50 years old, and son, 24 years old with Muslim backgrounds, attacked a Hanukkah gathering.

At the time of this writing, 15 victims have died, including a 10 year old child and rabbi, and another 40 people have been injured.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has condemned the attack and stated, "We are horrified by the shooting today at Bondi Beach, taking the lives of 11 innocent souls. To the Canadian Jewish community, know that like the Muslim grocer in Australia who reportedly intervened to take down the gunman in this horrifying terrorist attack, we stand with you against hate, anti-Semitism, and in mourning."

Member of Parliament Salma Zahid responded to the attack by stating on social media, "Horrified by the terrorist attack targeting Jewish Australians at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach... We condemn hatred in all forms and stand united with the Jewish community. Grateful to the brave bystander and first responders. Australia and Canada mourn together."

Member of Parliament Sameer Zuberi responded to the attack by stating on social media, "On this first night of Hanukkah, the tragic events in Australia weigh very heavily on all our hearts. Hanukkah’s message of resilience is even more important to hold on to in this moment. For all lighting a candle tonight, may your menorah’s glow brighten this dark moment. Wishing all observing a blessed Hanukkah. Chag Sameach"

Member of Parliament Iqra Khalid responded to the attack by stating on social media, "I am horrified by the antisemitic terror attack at a Hanukkah gathering in Bondi Beach, Australia, that claimed 11 innocent lives. My heart is with the victims, their families, and Jewish communities in Australia and around the world. We must stand united against antisemitism and any kind of hatred, violence, or intimidation, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, and freedom of all communities."

Member of Manitoba Provincial Parliament Obby Khan responded to the attack by stating on social media, "The attack at Bondi Beach on the first day Hanukkah was an abhorrent vile act of hatred and has no place in this world. My heart and prayers go out to all those injured, killed and affected by this horrific act of terrorism. I stand with my friends in the Jewish community here in Manitoba and across the world against antisemitism, hate and I mourn with you. Antisemitism has no place in any society."

Syrian Ahmed al-Ahmed (photographed in hospital during a visit with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns), a local Muslim father and small business owner, helped prevent further loss of life by tackling one of the gunman. He was shot twice and is now recovering after surgery. He is being proclaimed a hero by both the Australian and global Muslim community.

In an interview with BBC Arabic, his father stated "He was driven by his sentiment, conscience and humanity when he rushed forward, stopped the gunman, and snatched his weapon...He saw the victims, the blood, women and children lying on the street, and then acted." His uncle in Syria stated, "He made us proud, our village, Syria, all Muslims and the entire world."

Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, has responded to the attack by stating on social media, "Absolutely devastating to wake up to news of the deliberate and deadly attacks against members of Australia's Jewish community. My deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and to everyone who will be deeply impacted at an especially sacred time of year, when families and communities gather to mark Hanukkah, a time that is meant to symbolize hope and resilience." She also create a video on her social media which can be watched below: 

The Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) based in the United States also condemned the attack and stated "We echo the Australian Muslim community’s statements denouncing the deadly attack on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach in Sydney. We also commend Ahmed Al Ahmed, the Australian man who reportedly tackled and disarmed one of the shooters, taking fire and risking his own life to save lives. The criminals Mr. Al Ahmed bravely confronted do not represent the Australian Muslim community or the country’s diverse movement to peacefully advocate for Palestinian human rights, which is why both have rejected their violence. Their horrendous attack on Jewish worshipers at the start of Hanukkah was completely unacceptable and the very definition of antisemitic. So is holding the Jewish community responsible for the actions of the Israeli government or justifying the Israeli government’s actions in the name of the entire Jewish community. Predictably, extremists online are already using today’s crime to justify their calls for hate and violence against all immigrants and western Muslims. This, too, is unacceptable. We encourage people of all faiths to review their security procedures and precautions, and for law enforcement to ensure all communities are safe as the holidays approach."

International Islamic charity Human Appeal's Australia branch is organizing two fundraisers in response to the attack:

Standing together in solidarity after the Bondi tragedy

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Support Ahmad Al Ahmad - Hero who stopped Bondi gunman

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