'We will continue to work closely with Leeds Jewish community after Bondi attacks'
Leeds’ council leader has pledged to continue to work with the city’s Jewish community and offer reassurance following the attack at Bondi Beach that left 16 dead.
The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a celebration in Sydney on the first day of Hanukkah.
As of late Monday afternoon local time, 27 people were receiving care in hospitals across Sydney, NSW Health said.
Six people are in a critical condition, the others are in serious and stable conditions. Police believe the ages of the dead range from 10 to 87.
Two police officers who were injured in the attack are in serious but stable conditions.
Coun James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “As the impact of this horrific and senseless attack unfolds, our condolences are with the families of all those who have so tragically lost their lives and been injured.
“We would also like to express our solidarity with the Jewish community here in Leeds who will no doubt be deeply affected by these shocking events.
“We will continue to work closely with the Leeds Jewish Representative Council, the Jewish Community Security Trust and West Yorkshire Police in the coming days to offer our reassurance and support as we work together to ensure that the festival’s message of hope and belonging still reaches everyone.”
Meanwhile Leeds Imam Qari Asim, who is also the co-chair of the British Muslim Network, sent his condolences.
He said: “We express our deep sorrow and unequivocal condemnation of the senseless act of violence at Bondi Beach, Sydney.
“We stand in solidarity with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected—particularly members of the Jewish community who were targeted while celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah.
“An antisemitic attack is an assault on the fundamental values of dignity, freedom of worship, and coexistence that bind us together.
“We stand united in opposing antisemitism, extremism, and hatred in all their forms.
“Let us not allow hatred and division stand in the way of our shared future. Together, we can ensure that light, resilience, and hope endure, and that our communities remain bound by compassion, mutual respect, and peace.”