Australia has been plunged into mourning after a deadly terrorist attack at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach killed at least 11 people during a Hanukkah celebration, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to denounce what he described as “an act of evil antisemitism” that struck at the heart of the nation.
The shooting occurred shortly after 6:45 pm local time on Sunday as nearly 1,000 people gathered at the beach to mark the first night of Hanukkah, one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. Two armed attackers opened fire on the crowd, triggering scenes of panic and chaos as families fled for safety.
Police confirmed that one of the suspected gunmen was killed at the scene, while the second is in critical condition under police guard. Authorities are also investigating whether a third attacker may have been involved. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon officially declared the incident a terrorist attack, confirming it was a targeted assault on the Jewish community.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah,” Prime Minister Albanese said at a press conference in Sydney. “It is an act of evil, antisemitism, and terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
Chaos and Heroism Amid Gunfire
Eyewitnesses reported hearing rapid bursts of gunfire — some estimating as many as 50 shots — as the attackers fired assault rifles into the crowd. Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show the gunmen shooting from an elevated position near a beach car park, with people screaming and running in all directions.
In one extraordinary moment caught on camera, a bystander was seen tackling one of the gunmen and wrestling the rifle from his hands. The man, later identified by local media as 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, was widely hailed as a hero.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns praised his bravery, saying the intervention “undoubtedly saved countless lives.”
“That man put his own life at risk to protect others,” Minns said. “He is a genuine hero.”
Casualties and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities confirmed that 29 people were injured in the attack, including two police officers who were shot while responding to the incident. Both officers underwent emergency surgery and remain in serious condition. Emergency services deployed more than 40 ambulance crews, including helicopters, to treat and transport the wounded.
Adding to the severity of the attack, police discovered a vehicle near the scene containing several homemade explosive devices linked to the deceased gunman. Bomb disposal units were deployed to secure the area. Commissioner Lanyon said the attacker was known to authorities but that there had been no specific prior threat identified.
Victims Remembered
Among the victims was British-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, a father of five and assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives described him as a man devoted to spreading joy and helping others. His death has deeply shaken both Australia’s Jewish community and the wider public.
Another victim, Alex Kleytman, was killed while shielding his wife during the shooting. His family described him as a devoted husband and grandfather who died trying to protect loved ones.
Global Condemnation
World leaders swiftly condemned the attack. French President Emmanuel Macron called it “an antisemitic terror attack,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences and urged firm resistance against hatred and violence. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said his “heart goes out to the Jewish community of Sydney” attacked while lighting the first candle of Hanukkah.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the attack as “sickening,” while King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “appalled” by the violence. London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced an increased police presence around Jewish communities in the UK in response.
A Nation in Mourning
Jewish leaders in Australia described the attack as unimaginable, occurring during a moment meant for celebration and unity. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry said the incident marked one of the darkest days in the community’s history.
Prime Minister Albanese vowed that those responsible would face justice and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating extremism.
“There is no place for this hate, this violence, or this terrorism in Australia,” he said. “We will eradicate it.”
As Australia mourns the victims, tributes continue to pour in for those lost and for the ordinary citizens and first responders whose courage prevented even greater tragedy. The attack has reignited urgent conversations about antisemitism, extremism, and public safety — not only in Australia, but around the world.
