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British-born rabbi among 16 dead after gun attack on Bondi Beach

Sixteen people, including a British-born rabbi, have died and 40 remain in hospital after two “terrorist” gunmen targeted a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australian police have said.

The gunmen, armed with what police have described as “long guns”, opened fire on the Archer Park area of the popular beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday, New South Wales Police said.“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”

In a personal signed message on social media, the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.

“We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers. W & C”

The family of London-born Eli Schlanger have described him as a “joyful rabbi”.

The father-of-five grew up in Temple Fortune, north London, and had family members at Kinloss Synagogue in Finchley, according to Jewish News.

The 41-year-old and his wife, Chayala, celebrated the birth of their youngest child, a boy, two months ago.“Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight,” he added.

Malcolm Lanyon, the commissioner of New South Wales Police, said the injured, including two police officers, had been transported to hospitals around the Sydney area.

He said that “several improvised explosive devices” had been found in a car at Bondi Beach linked to the deceased gunman which were being dealt by bomb disposal experts.The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said the Metropolitan Police is increasing its visibility in Jewish communities ahead of any Hanukkah events.

In a post on X, Mr Khan said: “My thoughts and condolences – along with the rest of London – are with everyone affected by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach, Australia today.”

A statement from Metropolitan Police said: “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.

“We always encourage the public to be vigilant at events and in public places. If you see anything suspicious, trust your instincts and tell us.”

Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day festival of light usually observed in December./-