‘Taking every precaution’: GTA officials respond after antisemitic terror attack at Australia’s Bondi Beach

Officials across the Greater Toronto Area along with Prime Minister Mark Carney are condemning a mass shooting at Sydney, Australia’s Bondi Beach that authorities have declared a terrorist attack, while local police say they are increasing patrols around Jewish communities.

The attack unfolded Sunday morning during Chanukah by the Sea, a public celebration marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, where hundreds had gathered.

Australian authorities say two gunmen were involved; one was fatally shot by police and the other has been arrested.

Police have confirmed that at least 15 people have died and 40 other people remain in hospital following the incident, which is the deadliest in Australia in nearly three decades and comes amid a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the country.

• Father and son gunmen kill at least 15 people in attack on Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Here’s a look at how officials in the Greater Toronto Area and the prime minister are responding:

3:07 p.m. - Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw says events around world impact our cities

Toronto police chief Myron Demkiw tells CP24’s Steve Ryan there will be a heightened police presence Jewish public gatherings as well as around Jewish institutions and schools in Toronto in the coming days as a preventative measure in light of Bondi Beach mass shooting. He noted that there have been no credible threats to the local Jewish community.

2:59 p.m. - ’A horrifying tragedy’: Vaughan Mayor Del Duca

Vaughan’s mayor Steven Del Duca shares his thoughts on the Bondi Beach attack with CP24, saying fighting antisemitism needs to be backed up with real actions. He is urging everyone to “show up and show support” at local Hanukkah celebrations, especially in light of this attack.

2:50 p.m. - ‘No place for hate or terrorism in our communities’: Brampton mayor

In a written statement, Brampton mayor Patrick Brown said his city mourns with the Jewish community in Australia, Brampton and around the world after the “vile, anti-Semitic terrorist attack” at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.

“No one should ever fear coming together to celebrate their faith, culture or identity,” he wrote, offering his deepest condolences on behalf of the City of Brampton to the victims, their families, and all affected by this “senseless and evil act of violence.”

“We affirm our commitment to ensuring there is no place for hate or terrorism in our communities,” said Brown, who later shared his thoughts with CP24 during an interview.

12:57 p.m. - Toronto Hanukkah celebrations to continue

The rabbi of a Toronto synagogue says Hanukkah celebrations will continue as planned tonight in the wake of a deadly mass shooting in Australia.

Levi Gansburg, the rabbi at Chabad on Bayview, says his synagogue will “choose light over darkness” and move forward with its planned Hannukah celebrations this week despite the devastation abroad.

READ MORE: Toronto synagogue says Hanukkah celebration to continue

- Cassidy McMackon, The Canadian Press

12:54 p.m. - ‘Horrified by the violence’: Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish

Mayor Carolyn Parrish chimed in shortly before 1 p.m. in a post to social media saying “all international violence affects us and must be condemned.”

“Anti-semitism, hatred in any form, has no place in our city, our country and our world,” she added.

12:40 p.m. Do ‘not be intimidated,’ says Coun. James Pasternak

York Centre Coun. James Pasternak is urging members of the loal Jewish community to not be intimidated and to practice their faith, with caution and vigilance, following today’s deadly mass shooting at a Hannukkah event in Sydney, Australia.

Pasternak said what occurred at Bondi Beach is the result of “toxic rhetoric and mobs that take to the streets in many Australian cities with very little consequences either in their judicial system or by their political leaders.”

“It was allowed to fester and it resulted in this horrible shooting, which we should take as a strong warning of what could happen here in North America,” he said.

12:09 p.m. Global Affairs ‘not aware’ of any Canadians impacted

Federal officials say they are “not aware” of any Canadians impacted by the Bondi Beach attack.

Global Affairs Canada said in a statement to CTV News that consular officials are ready to help Canadians in Australia as needed, and are working with their counterparts to gather information.

READ MORE: Global Affairs ‘not aware’ of any Canadians impacted by Bondi Beach attack

- Kendra Mangione, CTVNews.ca Journalist

11:27 a.m. — ‘A whole-of-service approach,’ says Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw

10:55 a.m. — ‘We condemn antisemitism,’ Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says

Shortly before 11 a.m., Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the attack has deepened fear within Jewish communities locally and abroad, while confirming an increased police presence around synagogues and community centres across the city.

“My heart is with the Jewish community in Australia, here in Toronto, and across the world after the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach,” Chow said, adding that Jewish residents “deserve to live freely, openly and safely in our city.”

10:08 a.m. — Peel Regional police ‘actively increasing presence’

In a post to social media, Peel Regional police say residents can expect an increased police presence at places of worship today adding “every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. No exceptions.”

9:56 a.m. Vaughan mayor cites local precautions

Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca said he has been in contact with York Regional Police and expects to spend the coming days with members of the city’s Jewish community.

“As our Jewish residents prepare to mark the start of Chanukah, our hearts are heavy with the horrific news from Australia of the 12 innocent people who were murdered in a brutal terrorist attack,” Del Duca said.

“I have been in touch with (York Regional Police) this morning. As always, they are taking every precaution to ensure that our residents are safe.”

“And I look forward to gathering with many in Vaughan’s Jewish community today, and in the coming days, for Chanukah.”

9:05 a.m. Increased patrols and outreach — York Regional Police

York Regional Police issued a community alert adding that the violence in Australia is having a local impact and that officers are stepping up visibility across the region during Chanukah celebrations.

“In light of the recent violence against the Jewish community in Australia, and ongoing Chanukah celebrations, York Regional Police is reassuring citizens we have been, and will continue to, support our communities through increased outreach, visibility and police patrols across York Region,” the service said.

Police said they remain in constant contact with federal and provincial partners and will not tolerate hate crimes or threats of violence.

9:36 a.m. ‘Horrifying news’ — Toronto Councillor Brad Bradford

Brad Bradford, the councillor for Beaches-East York, says tragedy is a reminder that “much more must be done to stamp out antisemitism and all forms of hate.”

In a post to social media, he adds that he stands with the Jewish community here in Toronto and around the world in this time of grieving.

8:44 a.m. Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow weighs in

Toronto Councillor, Josh Matlow, member of city council for Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s said “Hanukkah should be a time of joy,” adding that “violence can’t be allowed to continue or be normalized.”

8:41 a.m. ‘Canada stands with the people’ — Prime Minister Mark Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney described the shooting as an antisemitic terror attack and expressed solidarity with Jewish communities in Australia, Canada and around the world.

“Horrified by the antisemitic terror attack that has stolen the lives of 11 people at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach today in Australia. Canada stands with the people of Australia and Jewish people everywhere in sorrow, and determination never to bow to terrorism, violence, hatred and intimidation,” Carney said.

“Hanukkah is a time of light amidst the darkness, and a remembrance of the resilience of the Jewish people. May we all support and strengthen that resilience to protect our Jewish communities and to ensure more fundamentally that all people can thrive in every aspect of our society.”

8:38 a.m. Ontario ‘must stand with Jewish community’ — Premier Doug Ford

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the attack reverberated far beyond Australia’s borders, particularly as Jewish families gathered to mark the start of Hanukkah.

“My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Australia, here in Ontario and around the world following the terrible attack that took place in Sydney earlier today, at the start of Hanukkah,” Ford said.

8:13 a.m. TPS expresses solidarity amid rising hate crimes

Toronto police also issued a message of support, noting the significance of the timing of the attack.

“Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights. We wish you a safe and joyous time with family and friends,” Toronto police said.

“Our hearts are with those impacted by the tragic events in Bondi Beach, Australia. Toronto Police Service stands in solidarity with our Jewish community and remains committed to your safety.”

The message comes after Toronto police reported last year that anti-Jewish incidents accounted for 40 per cent of all reported hate crimes in the city.

This is a developing story, more details to come...