President Donald Trump commenced the White House Hanukkah festivities by extending heartfelt condolences to Australia in the wake of a deadly antisemitic terrorist assault in Sydney.
White House Tribute to Attack Victims
Speaking from the East Room on the third night of the Jewish holiday, the President directly addressed the tragedy that unfolded days earlier. The mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday claimed 15 lives and left 25 individuals injured. Trump expressed solidarity, stating, "Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack."
He emphasised a collective grief, adding, "We're joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we're praying for the swift recovery of the wounded, some are very horrifically wounded." The President framed the incident within a broader global context, asserting that "all nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism."
Details of the Sydney Terror Attack
Australian authorities confirmed at a news conference on Tuesday that the shooting was a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State. The violence targeted an event known as 'Chanukah by the Sea'. According to officials, the suspects were a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The older man was shot dead during the incident, while his son was hospitalised for treatment.
Ceremony Diverts to Familiar Themes
Following his solemn remarks on the Sydney attack, President Trump shifted the focus of the celebration. He boasted about his personal health, claiming he was "the healthiest" president compared to his predecessors Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The event then saw prominent supporters, including billionaire donor Miriam Adelson, take the stage to offer praise.
The Hanukkah gathering, intended as a celebration of light and resilience, was thus marked by a poignant moment of international sympathy before returning to the President's characteristic domestic political narrative.
