Gardaí to increase patrols at centres for Irish Jewish community after Bondi Beach shooting 

People and emergency workers gatherfollowing the shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Picture: AP Photo/Mark Baker

Gardaí are increasing patrols at centres and events for the Irish Jewish community following a shooting that killed at least 12 people at Bondi Beach in Australia. 

Two individuals armed with guns opened fire on a crowd in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach at 6.47pm local time (7.47am Irish time) on Sunday, New South Wales (NSW) police said.

The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, the force confirmed.

Speaking on Sunday evening, justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said that he had spoken to the Garda commissioner about further protection for the Jewish community in Ireland.

Gardaí said in a statement on Sunday that Liaison Inspectors have been appointed to ensure An Garda Síochána "continues its on-going engagement with the Jewish community to provide them with re-assurance and support".

Mr O'Callaghan said: "The commissioner has assured me and the Chief Rabbi of his commitment to the safety of the Jewish community. I am attending an Hanukkah event tomorrow (Monday) to sympathise and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Ireland. I want to reassure them of our support in the aftermath of the appalling terrorist attack in Sydney."

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is scheduled to speak to Chief Rabbi of Ireland Yoni Wieder  to express his sympathies to the Irish Jewish community and speak about these measures.

It comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is “not aware” of any citizens who have been “impacted directly” the gun attack in Sydney.

In a statement on Sunday morning, Helen McEntee said: “Our consulate in Sydney is continuing to monitor events and will remain in close contact with Irish citizens and the community locally.”

The foreign affairs minister said she was in “shock and horror” at the antisemitic attack on a Jewish community celebrating the first day of their Hanukkah festival of lights.

She added: “All my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones and the people of Australia.”

New South Wales Police confirmed at least 12 people have been killed in the attack which was targeted at the Jewish community.

President Catherine Connolly said she was "deeply shocked and saddened following the appalling and antisemitic attack" at Bondi.

"I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to the Jewish community everywhere at this time, mindful of the beginning of this Hannukah period. I offer these condolences on behalf of the people of Ireland to the people of Australia, especially all who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured," President Connolly said. 

"I particularly join with all those Irish people living in Sydney who will be appalled by this horrific act of violence. Such violence is to be utterly condemned and has no place for all of us who are committed to peace in our world."

In a statement on the social media site X, the Taoiseach said he was “shocked and appalled” by a gun attack.

Micheál Martin said: “Our prayers go to the families and friends of those lost, the injured, first responders, and people of Australia at this distressing time.

“Such hate and violence can never be tolerated.”

Tániste Simon Harris said he was “horrified” by the incident.

In a social media post he said: “Our thoughts are with all those impacted and their families, with the people of Australia and the Jewish community during this time of profound pain.

“The spectre of hate and violence must never be tolerated.”