Bondi attack ‘most appalling atrocity’, says Church of Scotland moderator

A terror attack targeting a Jewish Hannukah celebration in Australia was “the most appalling atrocity”, the head of the Church of Scotland has said.

Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Rosie Frew, spoke on Monday after 15 people were killed at Bondi Beach near Sydney.

A further 27 people were in hospital, with six in critical condition, as of Monday afternoon local time.

Australian police say a 54-year-old man and his 24-year-old son 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, where he is expected to survive his injuries and face charges.

In a statement, the moderator 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.”