UK police forces have stepped up patrols around Jewish communities and venues following a terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, that killed at least 12 people and injured 29 during a Hanukkah celebration. The heightened security measures come as the Jewish festival begins Sunday evening across Britain, with celebrations planned nationwide.
Two gunmen opened fire on families gathered at Bondi Beach on the first day of Hanukkah. One attacker was shot dead by police, while the second, identified as Naveed Akram, 24, from Sydney's southwest, was shot and taken into custody. New South Wales Police declared the incident a terrorist attack at 9:36pm local time.
The Metropolitan Police announced they are increasing visibility in London's Jewish communities ahead of Chanukah events. «While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days,» the force said in a statement.
Police Scotland confirmed it already conducts dedicated patrols around Jewish venues and is maintaining communication with faith leaders. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson urged vigilance: «While there is no intelligence to suggest any specific threat in Scotland, I want to take this opportunity to ask the public to remain alert but not alarmed.»
Political Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as «sickening», posting on X: «Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy. The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening.» He confirmed the UK is actively working with the Community Security Trust on policing Hanukkah events.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the scenes «deeply shocking and distressing», advising British nationals in the area to contact the British Consulate General Sydney for support.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed devastation and engaged with UK government partners «to discuss the UK response». The organization stated: «The scourges of terrorism and antisemitism are shared, international challenges and need concerted and determined action to defeat them.»
Attack Details
The shooting began around 6:47pm local time at Archer Park near Bondi Beach, where more than 1,000 people had gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned it as «an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation».
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said: «This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.»
Police found several improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the deceased gunman. Bomb disposal units worked through the night to secure the scene. Authorities are investigating whether a third person was involved.
Heroism Amid Horror
Footage showed a bystander rushing one of the gunmen, wrestling a rifle from him and forcing his retreat. Albanese praised the act, calling him a «genuine hero» whose bravery «saved lives». The Prime Minister added: «We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others.»
UK Context
The attack resonates particularly in Britain, where a Manchester synagogue was targeted in October. Two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, were killed when 35-year-old Syrian-born UK citizen Al-Shamie drove into the gates before attacking with a knife.
The Metropolitan Police noted earlier this year that 40% of all religious hate crimes recorded in the past year targeted Jews. «It is an awful reality that Jewish communities across the world continue to face a higher level of threat,» the force said.
Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, begins Sunday evening and is typically observed in December.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
