Canadian politicians and community groups shared messages of support after a mass shooting left at least 15 people dead at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a statement Sunday, said Canadians stand with Jewish people in Australia and across the world in light of the horrific attack.
"Hanukkah is a time of light amidst the darkness, and a remembrance of the resilience of the Jewish people," Carney said.
"As it commences, Canadians stand in sorrow with the people of Australia and Jewish people everywhere following today's horrific antisemitic terror attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach in Sydney – and we stand together in our determination never to bow to terrorism, violence, hatred, or intimidation."
Later Sunday, speaking briefly at a menorah lighting ceremony in Ottawa, Carney reiterated his support for the Jewish community in the wake of the shooting.
"I will always be with you, and I will not rest until we move from protection to true thriving," Carney said, adding the day had become both a commemoration as well as a celebration.
Premiers from coast to coast also shared condolences Sunday, with B.C. Premier David Eby saying he was appalled by the attack.
"This was antisemitic violence, plain and simple," Eby said on social media Sunday.
"On this first night of Chanukah, we stand united with the Jewish community in B.C. and around the world, and ... mourn the innocent lives lost."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was praying for the victims and their families, and called on all Canadians to stand against antisemitism.
"Hanukkah traditions, including lighting candles, sharing meals and spending time with loved ones, serve as a powerful reminder of the value of community and how we can lift one another, even in difficult times," Ford said in a statement.
"I hope that these traditions are a comfort to our Jewish friends and neighbours this Hanukkah."
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said on social media she was saddened and angered by the news.
"This could have been here in (New Brunswick)," Holt said.
"Our hearts are with the families and loved ones, and with Jewish communities here at home and around the world. We stand with Australia in rejecting this hatred and violence."
At least 42 people were wounded in the attack, which saw two gunmen open fire on a crowd gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah.
Jewish officials identified one of the dead as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and one of the celebration's organizers.
Canadian community groups widely condemned the attack Sunday.
Jewish advocacy group B'nai B'rith Canada said in a statement it's outraged by the attack, and called on Ottawa to take measures to prevent similar violence in Canada.
"Attacks on Jews anywhere in the world test our society's moral leadership," said the organization's chief executive officer, Simon Wolle, in a statement.
"Our government cannot wait for blood to be shed in Canada before it acts."
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs' CEO, Noah Shack, agreed, saying in a statement that urgent action was needed from the federal government to prevent acts of antisemitic violence.
The Canadian Muslim Forum said it stood with the Jewish community in the wake of the attack and was praying for the families of the victims.
"This horrific act of hate reminds us that when hatred is left unchecked, no community is safe," it said in a statement.
"We condemn all forms of hate and reaffirm our commitment to unity, compassion, and the protection of all communities."
Australian police officials said the gunmen were a father and son. The father was killed by police, while the other shooter was wounded and taken to hospital.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
