Following the deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, Indian intelligence agencies have issued alerts to enhance security measures around places frequented by Jewish communities across India. The attack, which occurred during Hanukkah celebrations, resulted in at least 12 deaths and 29 injuries. The incident is being treated as a targeted antisemitic act.

The security advisory emphasizes increased vigilance in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, particularly during the nine-day Hanukkah festival. Law enforcement has been instructed to heighten security at synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other key establishments. Local police stations have been alerted, and additional personnel have been deployed to sensitive locations.

Official sources indicate that intelligence inputs suggest potential attempts by terror groups to target Jewish religious and community sites in India. The advisory urges citizens to report any suspicious activities and exercise caution, especially in areas with significant Jewish populations.

In response to the heightened alert, authorities are implementing several security enhancements. Religious centers have been advised to restrict access to their premises, ensure that security cameras and alarms are fully functional, conduct thorough perimeter sweeps, and carefully screen all mail and packages. Security measures also include increased surveillance and patrolling around Chabad houses and other Jewish establishments in Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa. Uniformed officers have been deployed at major gatherings to prioritize public safety. The security of Israeli diplomats, staff, and tourists is also being reviewed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the Bondi Beach attack, stating that India has zero tolerance for terrorism and supports the fight against all forms of it. He conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the people of Australia.

The Bondi Beach attack involved two gunmen who opened fire on a crowd of over 1,000 people gathered for a Hanukkah celebration. One of the gunmen was shot dead by police, while the other was apprehended. Authorities have identified one of the assailants as Naveed Akram, who was previously investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2019 for links to an Islamic State terror cell.

Heightened security measures at Jewish locations in India are not unprecedented. In the past, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, security has been increased around Jewish establishments. In 2013, following the interrogation of an Indian Mujahideen leader, Jewish organizations were instructed to tighten security.