Bondi Beach memorial site after Hanukkah terror attack, with police enhancing security amid international condemnation.
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Swedish leaders, Jewish groups condemn Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack, heighten security

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Swedish police and Jewish organizations have condemned the terror attack on Sydney's Bondi Beach Hanukkah event that killed 16, announcing increased surveillance at Jewish sites amid fears of copycat incidents.

Following the December 14, 2025, terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach 'Chanukah by the Sea' event—where gunmen killed 16 people and injured over 29 targeting the Jewish community—Swedish authorities and Jewish leaders have responded swiftly.

Australian Premier Chris Minns confirmed the assault specifically targeted Jews. In Sweden, National Police Chief Petra Lundh announced heightened surveillance around Jewish sites: "We follow the situation very closely when such terrible things happen that could reflect on Swedish interests."

The Jewish Central Council in Sweden stated events would continue as planned but with elevated concerns. Chairman Aron Verständig said: "There is a very great worry; there are surely some who choose not to participate."

Daniel Janouch, chairman of the Jewish Youth Association, called it "completely terrible," viewing it as an attack on the global Jewish community. He connected it to rising antisemitism since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks and urged continuing celebrations: "Light triumphs over darkness."

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson labeled the attack "fruktansvärd" (horrific) on X, stating: "Together we must combat antisemitism." Condemnations also came from Magdalena Andersson and international figures including King Charles III, Donald Trump, and Benjamin Netanyahu, who faulted Australia's government for ignoring antisemitism warnings.

The suspects—a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son from Sydney's Bonnyrigg suburb—had claimed they were going fishing before the assault. The father was killed by police; the son was injured.

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Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard condemned the Bondi Beach Hanukkah terror attack, expressing solidarity with victims and urging action against antisemitism. Swedish Jewish groups and police announced heightened security at Jewish sites due to fears of copycat attacks. X discussions highlight shock over the incident, concerns about rising antisemitism in Sweden, praise for official responses, and criticism of media coverage.

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