By Eric Vandenbroeck and co-workers

Antisemitism Alive and Well

The father and son suspects accused of carrying out the Hanukkah massacre were motivated by (a subject we reported on since 2008) Islamic State ideology, according to Australia’s leader.

Officers have secured and removed explosive devices found in a nearby vehicle. Basics of modern anti-Antisemitism, as it emerged in the early nineteenth century, was nationalist and right-wing-populist in inspiration. This was the age of nationalism and of the Volk. The Jews, as the antisemites saw it, didn't just belong to another religion; their character and mentality were essentially different, alien to the values and traditions of the French, Germans, Poles, Russians, and other European peoples. In particular, the Protocols of the Elders of Zion were the main text and the basis of modern anti-Semitic propaganda and have remained so with countless modifications to this day.

Arab/Syrian, the King-Crane Commission, impasses, and some breakthrough at the end. From Versailles to the Making of the Modern Middle East: The Paris Peace Conference deliberations.

Thus, antisemites claimed that the Jews wanted to conspire and dominate, and constituted a major, perhaps mortal, danger to the normal development of other nations.

Previously, after World War Two, it was prevalent in the UK.

Today, at least 11 people have been killed and 29 injured in a shooting on Australia’s Bondi Beach, which targeted the Jewish community, police say. The attack, which took place as hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, has been declared a terrorist incident.

Police responded to reports of gunfire at Bondi Beach at around 18:47 local time (07:47 GMT); an event marking the first night of Hanukkah was happening nearby, with more than 1,000 in attendance. Ten minutes later, police issued a statement urging people at the scene to take shelter and other members of the public to avoid the area.

Around the same time, local media began reporting people "on the ground" in the vicinity of Campbell Parade. A verified video appears to show two gunmen firing from a small bridge that crosses from the car park on Campbell Parade towards the beach; in another video, a man is shown wrestling a gun from one of the attackers.

Police held a news conference around 22:00 local time, confirming 11 people have been killed, as well as one of the two gunmen, with the other in custody; 29 people were taken to the hospital. A verified video appears to show two gunmen firing from a small bridge that crosses from the car park on Campbell Parade towards the beach; in another video, a man is shown wrestling a gun from one of the attackers.

Police confirmed the attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community, and they are treating it as a terror attack.

Police have confirmed that there are two known suspects, one is dead, while the other is in a life-threatening condition in the hospital. Officers have secured and removed explosive devices found in a nearby vehicle.  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation” and said that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.” Israeli officials have reacted with horror and anger to the incident, with several accusing the Australian government of allowing a surge in antisemitism.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a British-born rabbi, was killed in the attack, his family has confirmed. The 41-year-old was a father of five, with a son born in October. Rabbi Zalman Lewis, his first cousin from Brighton, says Schlanger was “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people".

King Charles III has said he and Queen Camilla are "appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people" at Bondi Beach. "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," he says in a statement.

The King also commends the emergency services and members of the public whose "heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy". "In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia, and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival. will always triumph over the darkness of such evil," he adds.

In a post on social media, the Prince and Princess of Wales also sent their "deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives", adding that they "stand with the Jewish community in grief".

In a joint statement on X, external. the Australian National Imams Council and the Council of Imams NSW (New South Wales) say that they, alongside the Australian Muslim community, "unequivocally condemn the horrific shootings in Bondi". "These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law," they continue.

The statement adds that "our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack". "This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms".

 

Australian Muslim groups condemn the attack.

In a joint statement on X, external, the Australian National Imams Council and the Council of Imams NSW (New South Wales) say that they, alongside the Australian Muslim community, unequivocally condemn the horrific shootings in Bondi. These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law, they continue.

The statement adds that "our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack".

"This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms".

 

Drone footage shows Bondi shooters on the bridge.

 

UK police stepping up presence at Jewish venues

Following today's attack on Sydney, the Met Police acknowledges that Jewish communities in London will be feeling "heightened concern about safety" - particularly as they come together to celebrate Hanukkah. Police say there is "no information to suggest any link" between today's attack and the threat level in London, but confirm in a statement that they are "stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community".

Meanwhile, Police Scotland says they are "actively communicating with faith leaders" following the attack in Australia. The police added that there is "no specific threat" and they are already carrying out "additional and dedicated patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues" as part of a plan for the Jewish festival.

With British Jews killed and injured in the Heaton Park Synagogue attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur in October, the UK’s Jewish Leadership Council - which represents the largest Jewish communal organizations - has called on the police and government to protect Jewish events here celebrating Hanukkah.

 

The Jewish festival starts this evening and lasts for eight days.

"Chanukah is a joyous festival, when Jewish communities gather at public locations around the world to share the light. We are devastated and angered that in Sydney, Jews appear to have been targeted once again for being Jewish," it says.

"We know that such hatred also exists in this country, as we are still reeling from the attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur. "As we prepare to celebrate Chanukah over the next eight nights, we call on government and law enforcement to work with our community to protect Jewish life in the UK and ensure that events this week can go ahead safely. We must not let hatred extinguish the festival of light. A video gives the clearest picture yet of how the attack was carried out.

A nearly 11-minute continuous video, filmed from about 50 meters away, reveals how the attack on the Hanukkah celebration unfolded and how police and bystanders responded. It’s unclear how soon the recording began after the attack started, but it opens with one gunman already on the footbridge between Campbell Parade and Archer Park while the second, in distinctive white trousers and a backpack, shoots at a fleeing person.

The pair then directs sustained fire towards the event. The attacker on the bridge fires almost continuously, occasionally repositioning a spare long-barreled gun at his feet. He descends the bridge stairs towards Archer Park only once, and for less than ten seconds, before returning to his elevated position. In the nearly six minutes before he is shot, he pauses only to reload and to threaten people who stray too close on Campbell Parade.

The second attacker crosses the bridge and moves towards a tree roughly 30 meters from the Hannukkah gathering. He continues firing until separate verified footage shows him being disarmed by a bystander, and he returns to the bridge, picking up the spare weapon.

A police vehicle passes within the first 22 seconds of the video, and sirens are sounding throughout, but after two minutes, witnesses can be heard shouting, ‘Where are the cops?’

It’s more than four minutes into the video before incoming shots targeting the attackers strike the bridge. About 30 seconds later, the attacker in white trousers is hit first and collapses. About a minute later, the remaining gunman is also shot, drawing cheers from onlookers.

The aftermath is chaos. People run onto the bridge despite shouted warnings, some attacking the injured gunmen and clashing with each other.

The first police officer steps onto the bridge after seven minutes, closely followed by others who work to restrain bystanders and clear the scene. Police vehicles arrive, and in the final minute, the camera turns briefly towards the Hanukkah event, where people are tending to victims.

Multiple Australian outlets are reporting that armed police have swarmed a property at Bonnyrigg, which is believed to be the home of one of the Bondi Beach gunmen.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he had warned Canberra "about four months ago" that government policy was "promoting and encouraging antisemitism in Australia". Speaking at a government meeting in Dimona earlier today, he quoted a letter reportedly sent to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 17 August - in which he accused Australia of "pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism".

Addressing Albanese directly, he says: "You let the disease spread, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today." During the meeting, Netanyahu also described antisemitism as a "cancer", adding that it "spreads when leaders stay silent".

Anxiety.html During the meeting, Netanyahu also described antisemitism as a "cancer", adding that it "spreads when leaders stay silent". Addressing Albanese directly, he says: "You let the disease spread, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today."

The attack happened as a number of people celebrated the Jewish festival of Hanukkah near the beach

 

'Hero' who tackled gunman was shot twice and is in hospital.

A man who was filmed tackling one of the Bondi Beach shooters and taking away his gun was shot twice and is in hospital, 7NEWS Australia reports. The Australian TV network says it spoke to a relative of the man, identified as 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed.

The male relative says Ahmed is in the hospital after being shot in the shoulder and hand, but he should be "OK". "He's a hero, 100% he's a hero," the man tells 7NEWS Australia.

The video gives the clearest picture yet of how the attack was carried out.

It’s unclear how soon the recording began after the attack started, but it opens with one gunman already on the footbridge between Campbell Parade and Archer Park while the second, in distinctive white trousers and a backpack, shoots at a fleeing person.

The pair then directs sustained fire towards the event. The attacker on the bridge fires almost continuously, occasionally repositioning a spare long-barreled gun at his feet. He descends the bridge stairs towards Archer Park only once, and for less than ten seconds, before returning to his elevated position. In the nearly six minutes before he is shot, he pauses only to reload and to threaten people who stray too close on Campbell Parade.

A man who was filmed tackling one of the Bondi Beach shooters and taking away his gun was shot twice and is in hospital, 7NEWS Australia reports. The Australian TV network says it spoke to a relative of the man, identified as 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed.

The male relative says Ahmed is in the hospital after being shot in the shoulder and hand, but he should be "OK". "He's a hero, 100% he's a hero," the man tells 7NEWS Australia.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says police received many reports at about 18:47 local time of shots fired at Archer Park, a grassy area at Bondi Beach.

Below the shooter crossing the bridge towards Bondi Beach

 

Conclusion

Two gunmen who killed 15 people at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday have been named in local media as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24.

Police earlier confirmed the gunmen were father and son. The older man died at the scene, while his son is in a critical condition in hospital.

The men had reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Mourners gather by floral tributes at the Bondi Pavilion in memory of the victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach, in Sydney on Monday.

During the time of writing this article, the death toll from the attack has risen to 15, while 27 people remain in the hospital. A bystander who was caught on camera tackling the armed attacker is among those hospitalized. Jewish community targeted: The attack, declared a terrorist incident, targeted Jewish Australians. The youngest casualty was 10 years old, and one of the victims was a Holocaust survivor who died while shielding his wife from bullets.

Details emerge about suspects: Police killed the 50-year-old father at the scene, while the 24-year-old son is in hospital. The older man had held a recreational hunting license. Australia’s security agency had previously assessed that there was no threat of the son engaging in violence. The younger man will likely face criminal charges.  Australia seeks tougher gun laws: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he will put stricter rules, including time limits on licenses, on his Cabinet’s agenda today.

The shootings targeted Jewish people attending a Hanukkah event - the victims include a 10-year-old girl, a British-born rabbi, a retired police officer, and a Holocaust survivor. Here's everything we know about them.

The parents of bystander Ahmed al Ahmed, who was filmed wrestling a gun off an attacker, say he was shot four or five times in the shoulder.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he will push for tougher gun laws after the attack - the older attacker had a firearms license for recreational hunting.

Antisemites often claimed that the Jews wanted to conspire and dominate, and constituted a major, perhaps mortal, danger to the normal development of other nations.

On 5 August 2019, we pointed to a rising aggression promoting the grand replacement (get rid of all Jews) theory.

Antisemitism, as it emerged in the early nineteenth century, was nationalist and right-wing-populist in inspiration.

Pope Leo XIV on Monday appealed for an end to antisemitic violence and called on the faithful to pray for the victims of Sunday's mass shooting at a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

There was a very different tone to today’s news conference, reporters clamoring to ask questions after a series of pretty significant developments in the investigation. The press conference itself was delayed. The prime minister is likely racing back from visiting "hero" Ahmed al Ahmed, who was filmed wrestling one of the gunmen.

When it finally started, he was standing alongside NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett. Lanyon confirmed the two gunmen visited the Philippines, but didn’t give much more detail than that. And it was confirmed that both improvised explosive devices and Islamic State group flags had been found in the car of the younger gunman.

That seemed to unleash far more questions, urgently shouted out from the reporters but the authorities offered little information beyond the basics. Every time they answered a question, it was followed by several more. Those at the podium at times struggled to answer them fully before the next issue was asked of them.

Many of the questions centered around the police response and the government's approach to tackling antisemitism. It's early days in the investigation, that much the authorities admitted, but there’s a sense of urgency to get to the bottom of how this attack was masterminded.

 

Rise in antisemitism

Australia’s Jewish leaders have been urging the Australian government for years to do more to address rising antisemitism in the country. Australia has seen huge public protests over the magnitude of Israel’s war in Gaza, and after a surge in reports of attacks against Jewish sites and property, Albanese appointed a Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism last year – handing the role to 

Today, at least 11 people have been killed and 29 injured in a shooting on Australia’s Bondi Beach:

Death toll rises: At least 15 people have been killed, and 27 are in hospitals after a shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach yesterday. The attack, declared a terrorist incident, targeted Jewish Australians and is the country’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years. 

Those killed were aged between 10 and 87. A Holocaust survivor, as well as two rabbis are among the victims. A “heroic” bystander who wrestled the gun from one attacker is recovering in the hospital.

The father-son duo were identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who moved to the country in 1998 and was killed at the scene, and 24-year-old Naveed Akram, who was born in Australia and is in custody. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they were “driven” by extreme ideology, and were interviewed by security services in 2019, but “weren’t part of a wider cell.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the vehicle the gunmen parked at the beach contained two "homemade" Islamic State group flags as well as explosive devices.

 Albanese announced Australia’s plans to strengthen its already tough gun laws with new measures that will restrict who gets a license.

Australians' Premier Chris Minns says fighting anti-semitism is his priority now.

 

 

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