‘This must stop’: Sydney archbishop condemns hate after Aussie terror kills 16

AC Wimmer, Catholic News Agency

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Catholic leaders in Australia have issued strong condemnations of what they described as a “festering” atmosphere of antisemitism, following a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left 16 people dead. Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney issued a statement expressing “profound grief and righteous anger” at the violence. Archbishop Fisher added, “The brazen and callous disregard for human life, and the hatred of some people toward all Jews, is an unspeakable evil that must be repudiated by every Australian.” New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the attackers were a Muslim father and son.