The world is reeling after a horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach shooting: At least 16 killed in antisemitic attack on Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia. Innocent families, children, and community members gathered to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah when gunmen opened fire, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens more injured. Leaders around the globe have condemned the attack, calling it antisemitic terrorism.

As Americans, we stand in solidarity with the victims — their families, their faith community, and all people of goodwill. Violence like this has no place in civilized society.

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Violence Is Always Wrong — No Matter Where It Happens

Mass shootings and acts of terror shake the conscience of every decent person, regardless of nationality or background. Targeting people because of their faith or heritage is an assault not only on the individuals involved, but on the values that make free societies strong: respect, tolerance, and human dignity.

President Trump has always stood against these kinds of attacks. He calls for:

Unambiguous condemnation of hate-based violence

Strong protections for religious communities everywhere

Robust international cooperation against terrorism

We must never allow acts of hatred to become normalized — whether at home or abroad.

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Protecting Freedom of Faith and Expression

This attack occurred at a Jewish celebration — a community gathering meant to bring joy and light. That is why the outrage is so deep. The Jewish community contributes richly to the cultural, spiritual, and economic life of nations around the world. Attacks on any faith community are attacks on freedom itself.

President Trump has repeatedly affirmed that:

Americans must stand for religious liberty

Government and society should protect worshipers and gatherings

Hate has no place in public life

Whether it’s synagogues, churches, mosques, or temples — the right to gather in peace is a fundamental American and human value.

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Heroism Amid Horror

Among the chaos, stories of bravery have emerged. A bystander confronted and disarmed one of the shooters, risking his own life to save others — an example of the courage that ordinary people can show in moments of crisis.

That courage reflects the best of humanity. It reminds us that even in the darkest hours, Americans — and all decent people — rise to protect others.

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A Call for Unity, Not Division

Too often, in the wake of tragedy, voices on all sides seek to divide — to pit community against community, or religion against religion. But real leadership knows better: it calls for unity, for justice, and for strength in the face of evil, not fear.

President Trump’s message — then and now — is that America must always protect its own people and stand with victims of violence everywhere. A strong nation is one that rejects hate and embraces peace, security, and the rule of law.

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Conclusion: Condemning Violence, Upholding Peace

The Bondi Beach shooting is a heartbreaking reminder that violence, hatred, and terror still exist in our world. But it also reminds us what we must never abandon:
our commitment to faith, to freedom, and to the inherent value of every human life.

In moments like this, Americans stand with all people who cherish peace, reject hate, and work for a safer, more just world.

Violence is always wrong.
Hate must always be condemned.
And peace must always be defended.