The United Jewish Federation of Utah is condemning the overnight shooting at an Australian event celebrating Hanukkah that left 16 people dead early Sunday.
The shooting occurred on Bondi Beach as the congregation had gathered to celebrate the start of Hanukkah. In addition to the deaths, 38 others were injured.
In a press release Sunday, the United Jewish Federation of Utah condemned the shooting as a "blatant act of antisemitic terror."
"Once again, Jews were targeted simply for being Jewish and for celebrating our traditions and our right to religious freedom," says CEO Alex Shapiro. "We must not ignore efforts to normalize hatred or to cloak antisemitism in political rhetoric."
Local media reports that the attack was carried out by two gunmen, one of whom was killed. Other victims include two police officers and a 12 year-old child.
