According to Australian reports, two gunmen opened fire on a menorah-lighting celebration at Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach, attended by around 2,000 people. Numerous people were killed or injured.

Speaking at a ceremony honoring immigrant contributions to Israel, President Isaac Herzog called the attack “vile” and expressed solidarity with the victims. “At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach,” Herzog said. “Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment. As we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives. We send our warmest strength from Jerusalem.”

Herzog also urged the Australian government to act against rising antisemitism, warning of “the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”