Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Sydney attack

I am shocked and appalled by the gun attack targeting Sydney’s Jewish community that has left at least twelve dead and dozens more injured.

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 Beach.

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.