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The United Kingdom has paid tribute to the victims of the deadly antisemitic attack at Australia’s Bondi Beach, as police increased security around Jewish communities and Hanukkah events across England and Scotland.
Victims of the mass shooting that occurred during a Hanukkah gathering at Australia’s Bondi Beach were remembered at vigils and religious events across the United Kingdom, while police authorities stepped up security measures to protect Jewish communities.
The attack, which targeted members of the Jewish community, claimed the lives of 15 people, including a child, making it one of Australia’s deadliest antisemitic attacks in decades. In response, police forces in England and Scotland increased patrols and visibility around synagogues and Hanukkah celebrations.
A vigil attended by around 100 people was held outside the Australian High Commission in London on Sunday evening. Participants waved British and Israeli flags and held placards calling for an end to hatred. Rabbi Yisroel Lew lit a menorah at the gathering, encouraging people not to be afraid and to continue celebrating Hanukkah despite the tragedy.
Elsewhere in London, a large menorah lighting took place in Trafalgar Square, while hundreds attended Hanukkah events in north-west London under heightened police protection. Members of the Jewish community expressed grief but also resilience, stressing the importance of spreading light and kindness in the face of terror.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Lady Victoria Starmer marked Hanukkah by lighting a menorah at Downing Street. In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister condemned the attack and said light would always triumph over darkness.
Senior political leaders, including King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, also condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. Police authorities confirmed that while security has been increased, there is currently no indication of a related threat in the UK.
Jewish organisations reiterated calls for vigilance and unity, emphasizing that hatred and terrorism must not be allowed to extinguish the spirit of Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights.
