LAST UPDATE | 14 Dec 2025

GARDAÍ HAVE SAID they will increase patrols at centres and events for the Irish Jewish community, after at least 16 people, including one attacker, were killed in a terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, that targeted people celebrating a Jewish holiday.

Another 40 people were rushed to hospital following the incident, including two police officers. It has been described as a “terrorist attack”.

The shooting targeted Sydney’s Jewish community during the first night of the festival of Hanukkah, according to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. 

In a statement following the attack, Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said:

I want to express my shock and horror at the antisemitic attack on a Jewish community celebrating first day of Hanukkah which took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney over recent hours.

Gardaí have now said they will increase Garda patrols for Jewish events and at centres in Ireland, following the incident.

“Following the fatal terrorist attack on members of the Jewish community in Sydney, there will be increased Garda patrols at centres and events for the Irish Jewish community,” the force said in a statement.

“Liaison Inspectors have been appointed to ensure An Garda Síochána continues its on-going engagement with the Jewish community to provide them with re-assurance and support.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is scheduled to speak to the Chief Rabbi of Ireland Yoni Wieder later today to express his sympathies to the Irish Jewish community and speak about these measures.

The Bondi Beach attack is the latest in a spate of terrorist attacks, targeting Jewish communities. In October, three people were killed, including the attacker, in a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester.