The UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, Ben Saul, has strongly condemned the apparent terrorist attack targeting members of the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025.
Describing the incident as a “hateful, antisemitic, terrorist” act of violence, Saul said the attack represented an assault not only on Australia’s Jewish community but on Australian society as a whole. He expressed his deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.
The attack claimed the lives of 16 people, including a child, and left dozens of others injured.
Saul commended the bravery of bystanders who assisted victims during the incident, including the actions of a man who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen. He also praised the response of law enforcement officers, first responders and healthcare professionals who attended the scene.
The Special Rapporteur welcomed the Australian Government’s support for the victims and their families, including measures to facilitate visas for relatives wishing to attend funerals. He stressed that continued assistance would be essential, including access to counselling services and public memorialisation to acknowledge the trauma experienced by those affected.
Noting a rise in antisemitic incidents since 7 October 2023, Saul acknowledged the Government’s efforts to counter antisemitism, including addressing instances linked to foreign sponsorship. He also welcomed assurances to further strengthen security for the Jewish community.
Saul described the Government’s pledge to consider tightening Australia’s already strict gun control laws as a positive step, noting that existing legislation has made mass shootings exceptionally rare and offers important lessons for other countries struggling with gun violence.
He called for an independent and impartial investigation to assess whether any opportunities to prevent the attack were missed and whether the law enforcement response was sufficiently timely and effective.
At the same time, Saul cautioned against stigmatising Muslim Australians and migrant communities in public discourse or online over the actions of suspected perpetrators. He also urged political actors, both domestically and internationally, to refrain from politicising the tragedy or fuelling social divisions.
Emphasising international legal obligations, Saul said all states have a duty to counter incitement to national, racial or religious hatred, discrimination, hostility or violence.
