British News Agency

Prime Minister Luxon said the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia targeted the Jewish community, stating: “Hanukkah is a time of peace and joy, not pain and sorrow. All New Zealanders condemn this act of hatred.”

Luxon noted that he was thinking of the Jewish communities in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Jewish communities around the world. He also said he had met with leaders of New Zealand’s Jewish community to reaffirm his opposition to antisemitism and the government’s commitment to the safety and inclusiveness of all Jewish citizens.

Prime Minister Luxon added that Bondi Beach is a place where New Zealanders live and visit, that there was no information at this stage indicating New Zealanders were affected by the attack, but that New Zealand stands ready to cooperate with Australian authorities.