Bondi attack ‘cruelly marred’ first day of Hannukah, says Swinney

The attack on a Jewish community in Australia was an “unspeakable act of hatred and violence” which “cruelly marred” the first day of Hannukah, John Swinney has said.

Two gunmen attacked a Hannukah celebration at the Australian beach on Sunday, killing 15 people and injuring a further 27.

Australian police say a 54-year-old man and his son, 24, were behind the shooting and have been named in local media as Sajid and Naveed Akram.

Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene while his son was taken to hospital after being disarmed by 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed.

Naveed Akram is expected to survive his injuries and face charges.

The attack has caused concern in Jewish communities across the world, but First Minister John Swinney has said the Government is engaging with police to ensure the safety of Jews in Scotland.

“I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific terror attack that happened at Bondi Beach, on the first night of Chanukah,” the First Minister said in a statement on Monday.

“What should have been a celebration of light and hope was cruelly marred by an unspeakable act of hatred and violence.

“I know that the Jewish community here in Scotland will be facing unimaginable grief and anxiety in the wake of this senseless attack.

“In this moment of darkness and pain, the Scottish Government stands firmly against any and all forms of antisemitism – an evil which has absolutely no place in our society and which we must confront.

“I also want to assure our Jewish communities that the Scottish Government is in very close contact with Police Scotland, and other relevant partners, to put in place the appropriate measures to ensure safety around places of worship at this time.

“I am dedicated to ensuring that our Jewish communities here in Scotland feel safe and supported and able to live free from fear.

“The world needs acts of goodness, kindness, and light at this time more than ever. We condemn the appalling acts of violence perpetrated in Australia over the weekend, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities as they come together to celebrate Chanukah.”

In a statement released on Monday, Jewish Council of Scotland chair Timothy Lovat said there must be “no place” for antisemitism in Scotland.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of yesterday’s attack in Sydney and their families,” he said.

“It is intolerable that in the current climate of antisemitism, Jews cannot gather publicly or celebrate religious festivals in any part of the world without fear of attack.

“The news from Sydney yesterday is also a dreadful reminder of the risks facing our Jewish community here in Scotland. There must be no place for anti-Jewish hate – in any guise – anywhere in Scotland.

“We will not be deterred by antisemitism or acts of terror, and we will celebrate Chanukah throughout Scotland.

“We are liaising closely with Police Scotland and with the Community Security Trust (CST) to ensure that appropriate police and security arrangements are in place, and we thank them for their continuing support.

“We will also continue to engage with the Scottish Government and local authorities to put in place longer-term measures to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in Scotland.

“We wish our community and friends across Scotland a happy – and peaceful – Chanukah.

While the moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Rosie Frew, said: “The massacre of innocent people gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the first day of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is the most appalling atrocity, one felt world-wide.

“This is a dark time for Australia and the Jewish community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved and the injured, with the people of Sydney and with the Jewish community.”

The attack has sparked fears among Jewish communities around the world, with Mark Gardner, the chief executive of the charity Community Security Trust, which provides security for Jewish people in Britain, saying police officers should be stationed outside synagogues in Scotland the wake of the attack.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Mr Gardner said: “Hannukah is a time of family celebration… we put out lights for people to see, to spread goodwill to people.

“We celebrate with our families, we give gifts to our children and to each other, this really strikes at the heart of Jewish life, the happiest celebration of Jewish life.”

He added: “I think they should have a stationary, visible police presence outside synagogues – there are not that many of them, it is easy enough for Police Scotland to do that.”

Police Scotland announced in the wake of the attack there would be additional dedicated patrols deployed around Jewish places of worship, but there was “no specific threat” to the community.

But Jewish communities cannot keep “building higher and higher walls”, he said, suggesting that Scottish Jews are considering leaving the country over safety concerns.

In a statement released on Monday, the International Council of Police Representative Associations (ICPRA) – a body of organisations which represent rank-and-file police officers in different countries – said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack.

“ICPRA is also deeply concerned by reports that this attack deliberately targeted a Jewish community gathering, and collectively condemns, in the very strongest terms, acts of violence motivated by antisemitism or hatred toward any community,” the statement said.

It added: “ICPRA also recognises the courage, professionalism and resolve of the members of public, police officers and emergency service personnel who responded to this horrific incident, many of whom were exposed to traumatic circumstances while protecting the public.

“At this extremely difficult time, ICPRA stands in full solidarity with our colleagues in Australia, the Police Federation of Australia, and the wider policing community.

“Our collective thoughts and support are with all those affected.