New Zealand increases security for Jewish community after Bondi Beach terror attack

New Zealand has increased security around Jewish communities following a deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney.

Sixteen people were killed and dozens were injured after two gunmen opened fire on a large crowd gathered for Chanukah by the Sea on Sunday evening.

Police have stepped up patrols and are working closely with Jewish community leaders. A police car was seen outside a Wellington synagogue on Monday morning.

The government says there is no indication any New Zealanders were involved. New Zealand diplomatic staff in Australia are safe and are working with local authorities.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Morning Report on RNZ that police were meeting with Jewish leaders to provide reassurance and strengthen security.

"These were shocking and appalling images we saw last night; I was sickened as I watched it. Our thoughts go straight to the people who have lost their lives or their loved ones, or been injured. But also our thoughts go to the Jewish community in Australia, but also here and around the world.

"There is no indication of any New Zealanders caught up in the attack. Obviously, many of us know that area very well and there's a lot of Kiwis in that area."

Luxon says he had contacted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to offer support and condolences. He also says the government has been funding security upgrades at Jewish and Muslim places of worship since late 2024 and has been involved in interfaith dialogue.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters condemned the attack. "Our deepest condolences are with all those who have lost loved ones," Peters told the network.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he has contacted his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese to offer support and condolences. Photo/Supplied

"We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. Terrorism, antisemitism and hate have no place in our societies."

The New Zealand Jewish Council says the attack had deeply shaken the community. Council president Juliet Moses told RNZ antisemitism and calls to violence were becoming more normal in many countries, including New Zealand and Australia.

"We are sickened, shocked... but not completely surprised. They [police and government] are taking it very seriously. I know they are looking at the general threat level and security environment, and they have reassured us they are doing everything they can to keep us safe."

She says many New Zealand Jews would personally know people affected by the attack. "This will absolutely cause people, more so than before, to question what their future is in Australia for Jewish people."

Support has also come from other faith groups. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) says it has reached out to the Jewish community.

"When communities are targeted because of their faith, and when innocent bystanders as well as members of the Police are killed or injured, this constitutes nothing less than hate-inspired violence that has no place in any civilised society," FIANZ says in a statement.

Media reports security has also been increased around Hanukkah events in London, Berlin, and New York.