The Dallas Police Department announced heightened vigilance and an increased law enforcement presence around Hanukkah events this weekend following a deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, that left at least 11 people dead during a public Jewish celebration.
In a statement shared Sunday and amplified by Dallas City Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn, the department cited recent acts of violence both overseas and in the United States.
“Following recent acts of violence in the United States and abroad, including the attack at Bondi Beach and the shooting at Brown University, the Dallas Police Department continues to remain vigilant by closely monitoring events nationwide for any potential impact to our diverse city,” the department said.
“The Dallas Police Department Fusion Center operates around the clock and works closely with regional and national Fusion Centers and law enforcement partners to share timely and relevant information,” the statement continued.
“At this time, there are no credible threats to the City of Dallas.”
“With the start of Hanukkah this evening, the department will maintain an established presence and heightened awareness at related events and locations across the city,” the department said. “We are proactively assessing and enhancing safety measures and maintaining close communication with our public safety partners.”
“As always, the safety of our residents, visitors, and workforce remains our highest priority.”
The Bondi Beach attack occurred during the first night of Hanukkah celebrations and has been declared a terrorist incident by Australian authorities. One gunman was killed at the scene, another was taken into custody, and investigators are examining whether additional attackers were involved. At least 29 people were hospitalized, including two police officers.
Update (Sunday afternoon): Australian authorities later said at least 16 people, including one of the attackers, were killed in the Bondi Beach shooting, with at least 40 people hospitalized, including two police officers. New South Wales Police identified the suspects as a father and son, saying the father was killed at the scene and the son remains in critical but stable condition. Police said they are not seeking additional suspects and recovered multiple improvised explosive devices, which were rendered safe. Authorities said the attack targeted the Jewish community and is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
Although the attack occurred overseas, Mendelsohn said its impact reached Dallas directly.
“To the Dallas Jewish community, who woke up this morning to the horrific news of the attack at Bondi Beach in Australia on a Hanukkah party, Dallas Police Department & Jewish Federation have additional security in place,” Mendelsohn wrote.
“My college-age son just told me his Rabbi at Texas A&M’s son, who is about his age, was one of the people shot in Australia at the Hanukkah party,” Mendelsohn wrote in a post on X. “He is post surgery and in critical but stable condition. Please pray for him.”
In a separate post, Mendelsohn said a victim killed in the attack was related to the director of a preschool near her home.
“The director of the preschool down the street from my home — her cousin was murdered in the Australian massacre today,” she wrote.
Mendelsohn emphasized that attacks targeting Jewish communities abroad often have personal connections closer to home.
“Australia terrorist attacks may feel far to the broader U.S. population,” she wrote, “but to the tiny worldwide Jewish community, it is personal, and the people impacted are likely to be connected to us directly, or our friends and family.”
Israeli officials confirmed that at least one Israeli citizen was among those killed and that another was wounded. Australian leaders said the attack appeared deliberately timed to target the Jewish community during a religious holiday.
Addressing Dallas residents directly, Mendelsohn urged vigilance while encouraging continued public observance of Hanukkah.
“Be aware, be prepared, and go celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah!” she wrote. “Throughout our history, we have shown resilience and overcome those who sought to harm the Jewish people. Be the light and teach your children to love G-d and uphold his commandments.”
