The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed his condolences for the victims of the “heinous attack” that occurred this Sunday on a beach in Sydney, Australia, resulting in 12 deaths.
“The President of the Republic received with profound shock the news of the violent terrorist attack carried out at Bondi Beach, which caused numerous fatalities and injuries, including children,” reads a statement published on the Presidency’s website.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa reiterated the “condemnation of violence, especially that which stems from hatred, namely anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, intolerance,” noting that “it reminds us of the darkest times in our recent history, which assaults human dignity and respect for others.”
“In this moment of great pain, he extends heartfelt and fraternal solidarity to the families of the victims, as well as to the Australian authorities and the people of Australia,” the statement ends.
It should be noted that this morning, the Portuguese Government also condemned the terrorist attack.
“The Portuguese Government vehemently condemns the attack against the Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia – a heinous act of anti-Semitism,” reads a statement from the ministry led by Paulo Rangel on the social network X.
The Portuguese Government condemned the terrorist attack during Jewish celebrations at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which resulted in 12 deaths. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the crime as a “heinous act of anti-Semitism.”
Márcia Guímaro Rodrigues | 11:52 – 14/12/2025
Authorities identified the shooting as a “terrorist” attack aimed at the “Jewish community,” according to Australian officials.
In a press conference, New South Wales Police Chief Mal Lanyon reported 12 fatalities and 29 injuries, including two officers.
“Today, at 9:36 PM [10:36 AM in Portugal], I declared this incident as terrorist,” he announced.
New South Wales Governor Chris Minns indicated that “this attack was planned to target the Jewish community of Sydney.”
“On the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy, celebrated by this community with families and supporters, was destroyed by this horrendous attack,” he lamented.
“An attack against Australian Jews is an attack against all Australians”
Present at the same press conference, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mourned the “devastating terrorist attack in Bondi, during the Hanukkah celebration by the sea.”
“This was an attack directed against Australian Jews on the first day of Hanukkah, which was meant to be a day of joy, a celebration of faith. It is an act of evil, anti-Semitism, and terrorism that struck at the heart of our nation,” he stated, emphasizing that “an attack against Australian Jews is an attack against all Australians.”
Israel denounces “vile terrorist attack against Jews”
In a statement, Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned what he described as a “vile terrorist attack against Jews who were lighting the first candles” of the religious festival.
“Our hearts are with them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel beats strongly at this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the injured, pray for them, and pray for those who lost their lives,” he stated in an official communication.
“We have repeatedly alerted the Australian government to take action and fight against the enormous wave of anti-Semitism sweeping Australian society,” he added.
Located east of Sydney, Bondi is Australia’s most famous beach and attracts a large number of tourists, surfers, and swimmers, especially on weekends.
The international community today condemned terrorism and anti-Semitism, reacting to the attack on Australia’s Bondi Beach, Sydney, which killed 11 people attending a Jewish festival.
Lusa | 12:58 – 14/12/2025
