TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has said he is 'shocked and appalled' at a fatal shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia, where around 1,000 people were taking part in a Hanukkah celebration.
Eleven people were killed at the event at Archer Park, a grassy area near the Bondi Pavilion, at around 6.45pm local time on Sunday (7.45am GMT).
A further 29 people, including a child, have been taken to hospital following the terror attack.
One of the alleged shooters was also killed while a second was arrested and is said to be in a critical condition.
In a statement, Mr Martin described the shooting as an 'evil act… spawned by antisemitism'.
"I am shocked and appalled by the gun attack targeting Sydney's Jewish community that has left at least 12 dead and dozens more injured," he said.
"Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of those lost, the injured, the first responders and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.
"There can be no place for hatred or violence anywhere, in particular at a time of celebration for many as people gathered to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah at Bondi Breach.
"At a lecture honouring the historian Dermot Keogh just two days ago, I noted that antisemitism has been one of the most consistent and pernicious prejudices throughout history, providing the foundation for murderous outrages in many eras and many places.
"This latest evil act in Sydney is a further manifestation of the murderous hate spawned by antisemitism."
'Spectre of hate'
Tánaiste Simon Harris also expressed his condolences, saying he was 'horrified' at the news.
"Our thoughts are with all those impacted and their families, with the people of Australia and the Jewish community during this time of profound pain," he added.
"The spectre of hate and violence must never be tolerated."
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said her thoughts were with all those affected by the tragedy.
"I want to express my shock and horror at the antisemitic attack on a Jewish community celebrating the first day of Hanukkah which took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney over recent hours," she said.
"All my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones and the people of Australia.
"At this point, we are not aware of any Irish citizens who have been impacted directly by these awful events.
"Our Consulate in Sydney is continuing to monitor events and will remain in close contact with Irish citizens and the community locally."
Police at the scene of the shooting (Image: Saeed KHAN / AFP via Getty Images)President of Ireland Catherine Connolly said she was 'deeply shocked and saddened following the appalling and antisemitic attack'.
"I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to the Jewish community everywhere at this time, mindful of the beginning of this Hanukkah period," she added.
"I offer these condolences on behalf of the people of Ireland to the people of Australia, especially all who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured.
"I particularly join with all those Irish people living in Sydney who will be appalled by this horrific act of violence.
"Such violence is to be utterly condemned and has no place for all of us who are committed to peace in our world."
'Grief, loss and horror'
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was 'truly appalled at the terrible antisemitic, violent attack'.
"What was a festival and occasion of joy and of celebration, of light in the darkness has, through evil, become a day of grief, loss and horror," she added.
"Our thoughts are with the victims, all those injured and the family and friends of those murdered."
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, expressed his shock at the shooting.
“Today’s attacks at Bondi Beach were truly horrific and heartbreaking,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Australia, in particular the Jewish community, and the friends and family of those who lost their lives in today’s attacks.
“These attacks appear to be motivated by antisemitism — innocent civilians targeted for practising their religious faith at Chanukah.
“This is truly shocking. There can be no place in society for antisemitism and today’s attacks must be condemned by all.”
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