Bondi Beach shooting: PM Wong expresses condolences, says Singapore condemns act of terrorism

SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has written to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese to express his condolences over the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach.

Gunmen killed 11 people at the iconic Sydney beach during a Jewish event to mark the start of Hanukkah.

Australian police have classified the incident as a terrorist attack. One of the alleged shooters was killed, and the second was in a critical condition, Australian police said.

Mr Wong said he was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic incident.

"This senseless violence struck a place cherished by Australians and visitors alike, including many Singaporeans," he wrote.

"Singapore strongly condemns this act of terrorism. Such acts have no place in our societies, and undermine the peace and security we all cherish."

Expressing his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the shooting, Mr Wong said: "At this painful and difficult time, Singapore stands firmly with Australia in solidarity and support."

"VIOLENCE AND HATRED HAVE NO PLACE IN OUR SHARED FUTURE"

The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) Singapore said on Monday that it was "profoundly shocked and heartbroken" by the targeted attack.

"We unequivocally condemn this act of pure evil, this violence borne of antisemitism, which has stolen 16 precious lives and injured dozens more, including children and the elderly," it said in a statement.

"Our hearts ache for the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community in Australia. To be attacked while celebrating Hanukkah, a festival of light and dedication, compounds the tragedy with profound sacrilege. We stand in mourning with our Jewish brothers and sisters, and we offer our deepest sympathies and prayers for the souls of the departed, for the full recovery of the injured, and for solace for all who are traumatised." 

IRO Singapore also commended the "immense bravery" of those like Mr Ahmed al Ahmed, who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers, as well as the efforts of first responders and medical personnel. 

The organisation added that the atrocity was a "stark reminder that the poison of antisemitism, and indeed all forms of religious and racial hatred, remains a global scourge". 

IRO Singapore has representation from 10 religions - Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Baha’i, Jainism and Zoroastrian. According to its website, it is a non-governmental organisation founded by leaders of diverse faiths to work together for religious harmony in Singapore.

The Jewish Welfare Board Singapore said it stands in unwavering solidarity with the Jewish community of Australia. 

"We mourn the tragic loss of Rabbi Eli (Eliezer) Schlanger of Chabad Bondi, of blessed memory, who was murdered while leading the Hanukkah celebration. Rabbi Eli lived a life of dedication, kindness, and service to others. 

"He supported our community on many occasions and was always present with warmth, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family and to the many lives he touched," the board said on Monday. 

The 41-year-old was the assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi, which put on the event. Chabad is a global Jewish organisation whose mission is to foster Jewish identity and connection. Schlanger was British-born but had lived in Sydney for the past 18 years, and had recently become a father for the fifth time. 

"From Singapore, a society built on mutual respect and interfaith harmony, we reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious freedom, and the dignity of every community," said the board. 

"Violence and hatred have no place in our shared future, and we remain steadfast in working alongside partners of all faiths to uphold understanding, compassion, and unity."

The National Council of Churches of Singapore condemned "in the strongest terms all acts of anti-Semitism and any form of terrorism targeting communities based on their faith, ethnicity, or beliefs".

The council also expressed its solidarity with the Jewish community in Singapore and globally.

"We stand together in condemning violence and in upholding the dignity, safety and rights of all people," it said.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said it "condemns all acts of violence that target human life".

"Every person, regardless of race, religion and nationality, has an inherent right to live safely and peacefully," it said.

"The attack in Sydney is a violation of this fundamental right – an assault not just on individuals, but on the very fabric of our shared humanity," it added.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said it is deeply concerned that the world has become an increasingly dangerous place, "where hate and fear are weaponised to divide communities and break up societies".

"What happened in Australia is a poignant reminder that we must continue to hold together as one closely-knit society whose bonds are built on care, respect and empathy, and that we continue to speak as one to reject all forms of violence and hatred and root out extremism and radicalisation, in order to secure peace and cohesion in an increasingly turbulent world," MUIS added.

The Singapore Buddhist Federation said: "In this civilised world, such a barbaric and inhumane act of terrorism deserves our strongest objection, particularly as it took place during Hanukkah, a sacred Jewish festival, revealing the attacker’s evil intention of creating hatred and fear among communities of different faiths."