In a statement, a group representing Australia’s Pakistani community described the incident as a "horrific act of violence" that "shocked our community." The Bondi Beach attack in Sydney was allegedly the work of a father and son of Pakistani origin who had ties to the Islamic State. The hero who risked his life to disarm them was from Syria. In Pakistan, political leaders slammed the attack, saying that their country is “also victim of terrorism." For Pope Leo, “Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence!”

Islamabad (AsiaNews) – The Pakistani community in Australia, along with the authorities of their country of origin, are united in "unequivocally condemning the tragic and senseless shooting at Bondi.”

In a statement released today, the Pakistani Community in Australia (PCIA) remembered the 15 15 people killed on a Sydney beach and their families. The attack, carried out during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, is in one of the worst antisemitic attacks outside of Israel.

The attackers were reportedly from Pakistan, a father and son, who had been radicalised over the years and had suspected ties and sympathies for the Islamic State, as suggested by the discovery of an Islamic State flag in their car.

“This horrific act of violence has shocked our community and left countless families, friends, and the entire Australian public grieving,” reads a statement issued by the PCIA.

Pope Leo XIV today reacted to the attack, speaking in the Paul VI Hall while receiving in audience the donors of the tree and the nativity scene inaugurated this afternoon, at 5 pm, in St Peter's Square.

“Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence!” the pontiff said. “We must eliminate hatred from our hearts,” he added, urging prayers "for those who suffer because of war and violence".

“[I]n particular today, I want to entrust to the Lord the victims of the terrorist attack in Syndey against the Jewish community,” Leo said. “The Nativity Scene and the Tree are signs of faith and hope, as we contemplate them in our homes, in our parishes, and in our squares, let us ask the Lord to renew within us the gift of peace and brotherhood.”

The provisional toll from the attack during the Jewish Holiday of Lights, carried out yesterday just before 7:00 pm local time, is 16 people dead (one of the two attackers was killed by police) and at least 42 injured, some seriously. The dead include a 10-year-old girl and two Israeli citizens.

Local and international news media praised the courage of Ahmed al-Ahmed, the 43-year-old father of two daughters, who risked his life to disarm one of the two alleged attackers. His parents had recently arrived from Syria.

The two attackers are believed to be 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed, but information about them is still sketchy.

A Pakistani immigrant, who has the same name as one of the two attackers, reported receiving death threats on social media despite being unconnected with the incident.

“Our deepest thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims, their families, and every individual affected by this devastating event,” the PCIA statement goes on to say.

“While no words can truly alleviate the pain, we hope the outpouring of strength, support, and compassion from the wider Australian community provides some comfort during this period of immense sorrow and distress.

In its reaction, the PCIA praises Australia, calling it a “vibrant, multi-cultural nation built on the foundational values of safety, respect, inclusion, and mutual understanding.” Hence, “Acts of violence and hatred have absolutely no place in our society and stand in direct opposition to these shared principles that we cherish.”

“In this difficult moment, we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with the Australian public and authorities,” the statement reads. “We urge all community members to support one another, exercise vigilance, and uphold the spirit of unity, empathy, and resilience that defines us as Australians,” it adds stressing their closeness and ties to the country that welcomed them.

Finally, “On behalf of the Pakistani Community in Australia, we extend our most sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish a full and speedy recovery to all who were injured. We are committed to working together to support those affected throughout this challenging time.”

Among the international leaders who condemned the attack was Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed his condolences to the victims and reiterated his government’s opposition to "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."

Expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari noted that "Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism" and, therefore, "condemns violence against innocent civilians.”

Among the many incidents in Pakistan, it is noteworthy to cite the recent spate of attacks by militants in the northwestern part of the country in recent months; in fact, the president’s office said that yesterday security forces killed 13 militants in two separate operations in the districts of Mohmand and Bannu.

Despite declarations and shows of solidarity, the massacre during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah has fuelled widespread fears in the Pakistani community in Australia, which until now had integrated without serious problems.

Studies show that the number of expats from this Asian nation is constantly growing, made up of well-educated people, who integrate into the wider community.

Pakistanis constitute the twelfth largest immigrant group in the country, concentrated primarily in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. They maintain strong ties through associations and celebrations such as Eid (the holiday marking the end of Ramadan), contributing to Australian society in various sectors, despite perceptions and the challenges of integration.

Overall, the community in Australia is steadily growing, reaching 120,000 in 2023, more than doubled since 2013. Most are highly educated with long CVs and university degrees, especially in science, technology, engineering, and accounting, well above the national average.

Pakistanis are also active in various fields, including healthcare, information technology, finance, and academia.

However, one of the main challenges remains English language proficiency, particularly among women, which leads to a certain degree of isolation. Recognition of qualifications can also be a problem.

Finally, there have reportedly been incidents of racism in the workplace, both overt and covert, which risks getting worse in the near future in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack.

• australia
• pakistan
• bondi beach
• attack
• hannukah
• islamic state
• racism