CST holding discussions to increase security at public Chanukah events following Bondi Beach attack

“Chanukah is a Jewish festival that celebrates light and religious freedom and it is abhorrent that such violence was directed at a moment of communal joy. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and the Australian Jewish community at this awful time.”

The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) – which on Tuesday will be hosting a public menorah lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square – called on the 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.”

JLC said they are “devastated and angered that in Sydney, Jews appear to have been targeted once more again for being Jewish. 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.”
 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was being updated on the developing situation. He tweeted: “Deeply distressing news from Australia. The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, meanwhile, has confirmed that the Met Police will be increasing security arrangements and presence at Chanukah-related events in London this week.