At least 11 people were killed and 29 others injured in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, an attack police say deliberately targeted Australia’s Jewish community during a public Hanukkah celebration. Authorities have officially declared the incident a terrorist attack, calling it one of the deadliest acts of antisemitic violence in the country’s history.
The shooting happened as hundreds of people, including families, children, and elderly members of the community, gathered to mark the first day of Hanukkah near the beachfront. Witnesses reported sudden gunfire that sent crowds running in panic as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Police confirmed that two suspects were involved. One suspect is dead, while the other remains in life-threatening condition in hospital. Officers also located and safely removed explosive devices from a nearby vehicle, raising concerns that the planned attack could have been even more devastating.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence in strong terms, calling it “an act of evil — antisemitism and terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.” He added, “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
Leaders from Israel reacted with shock and anger. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged Australia to take “significant action against antisemitism,” saying there has been a sharp rise in anti-Jewish hatred since October 7. He warned that hostile rhetoric and public incitement can create an atmosphere that leads directly to real-world violence, such as the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Tragic details have begun to emerge from the Jewish community. A 12-year-old girl and a rabbi were among those killed, according to community leaders. The rabbi was described as a deeply respected and compassionate figure, while the child died later in hospital after succumbing to her injuries. Community representatives said the annual Hanukkah gathering is usually one of the most joyful and peaceful events of the year.
“We are a close-knit community,” one Jewish leader said. “This was meant to be a celebration of light. Instead, it became a scene of unimaginable horror.”
Security has been tightened across Sydney and other major Australian cities, particularly around synagogues, schools, and Jewish community centers, as investigators continue to piece together the motive, planning, and networks behind the attack.
The Bondi Beach shooting has reignited national and international debate over antisemitism, terrorism, and public safety, with many warning that Australia — like much of the world — can no longer treat such threats as distant or unlikely.
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