(Washington, D.C., 12/15/2025) – The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) extends its deepest condolences to families affected by the horrific attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, December 14, 2025. USCMO also commended Australian Muslim Ahmed Al Ahmed for bravely confronting and disarming one of the attackers, suffering injuries in the process.
In a deeply disturbing act of violence, gunmen opened fire on a Jewish community gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney over the weekend, killing at least 15 people and injuring many more. Australian authorities and global news outlets have reported that the attack was targeted at the Jewish community during their celebration of the Festival of Lights. (Reuters)
USCMO unequivocally condemns this act of hateful and criminal attack on the Jewish community.
Oussama Jammal, USCMO Secretary General, issued the following statement:
“We are horrified and heartbroken by this horrific attack on families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah in Bondi Beach. This violence against the Jewish community is an attack on the values we share as human beings – peace, respect, and the right to worship freely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy. We also commend Ahmed Al Ahmed, the Australian Muslim who exemplified Islam by bravely risking his life to confront and disarm one of the shooters, saving lives. Inspired by his example, we call for global unity against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate. Muslims, Jews, and all communities of faith must stand together against unjust violence, no matter who perpetrates it or where it is perpetrated. This is moral consistency and it is time for our societies and political leaders to adopt it.”
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