The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned what it described as a “heinous terrorist attack” on the Jewish community in Australia, following a deadly assault at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations. Australian authorities say at least 15 people were killed when gunmen opened fire on a gathering at the popular coastal area. Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor. At least 38 others were injured and taken to hospital, several in critical condition.
Police said the suspected attackers were a father and son. One of them was shot dead at the scene by officers, while the second suspect, a 24-year-old man, was wounded and remains under police guard in hospital. Investigators are treating the incident as terrorism and a hate-motivated attack. In a statement issued Sunday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed condolences to the families of the victims and solidarity with the Australian people. He said the attack highlighted the urgent need to protect all communities from hatred, violence and extremism.
“The African Union rejects terrorism in all its forms,” Youssouf said, calling for stronger international cooperation to counter radicalization, combat violent extremism and ensure accountability for those responsible. The Bondi Beach shooting is the deadliest gun attack in Australia in nearly 30 years, prompting renewed debate over extremism, community safety and the threat of hate-fuelled violence even in countries with strict gun laws.
