Secretary General Antonio Guterres. UN chief condemns attack on people celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney Peace and Security
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the “heinous” attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney, Australia to celebrate Hanukkah.
“My heart is with the Jewish community around the world on this first day of Hanukkah, the holiday that celebrates the miracle of peace and light conquering darkness,” he wrote.
Two gunmen reportedly opened fire on Hanukkah revelers on Bondi Beach in Sydney. At least 11 people died. Two of the victims were police officers. The country’s authorities say the attack was an act of terrorism. One of the attackers was killed and another was detained.
The Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the people and government of Australia, as well as the Jewish community in the country and around the world.
He “unequivocally condemned anti-Semitism in all its forms” and said that the attacks attacks on religious communities and peaceful gatherings undermine basic values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and human dignity.
When the attack occurred, the Secretary-General was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the UN World Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations was taking place.
This initiative was created 20 years ago to promoting respect and understanding between cultures and religions.
Alliance High Representative Miguel Angel Moratinos said he was “shocked” by the attack.
“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he wrote on platform X.