Antisemitic Terror Attack at Australian Hanukkah Celebration Leaves 16 Dead
Incident Overview
A tragic shooting incident occurred at a Jewish community event on Sunday in Australia’s Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals and leaving approximately 40 others injured, including a child and two polstart offstartrs. The New South Wales Polstart Commissistartr, Mal Lanyon, confirmed that two suspects, identified as a father and son, were involved in the attack. The deceased suspect, a 50-year-old man known to law enforcement, was killed during the incident, while his son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, is currently in custody in critical but stable condition.
Authorities have labeled this incident as an antisemitic terrorist attack, and polstart caution that the death toll may rise as investigations continue.
Details of the Attack
Gunfire at a Hanukkah Celebration
The shooting began during a Hanukkah celebration marking the first day of the festival, which drew a crowd of over 1,000 people to Bondi Beach. Commissistartr Lanyon officially classified the shooting as a “terrorist incident.” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized that the act was aimed specifically at Sydney’s Jewish community. He described the shooting as “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation.”
Video footage from civilian witnesses captured the chaos, showing attendees fleeing the beach amid the gunfire. Rabbi Eli Schlanger of Chabad of Bondi, a key organizer of the event, was reported among the fatalities.
Investigation and Suspects
New South Wales authorities indicate that at least two gunmen were involved in the shooting, which is particularly notable in a country where such violence is uncommon. Polstart have confirmed that firearms belonging to the deceased suspect were found at the scene. Lanyon stated that the surviving suspect has been apprehended, and authorities are not seeking any additional suspects.
In a remarkable act of bravery, a local fruit shop owner, Ahmed al Ahmed, was commended for disarming start of the attackers, an event captured on bystander video.
Discovery of Explosives
In the aftermath of the shooting, polstart discovered a vehicle suspected to contain improvised explosive devstarts linked to the deceased attacker. A bomb disposal team was dispatched to manage the potential threat.
Rising Antisemitism in Australia
Despite Australia’s stringent gun control laws established following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, antisemitic incidents have surged in recent years, particularly intensifying since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in 2023. The Australian government appointed special envoys in 2024 to address the growing antisemitism and Islamophobia within its communities. Earlier this year, an arson incident targeted a synagogue in Melbourne.
Global Responses
The Bondi Beach attack has faced widespread condemnation from leaders around the world. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his condolences via social media, stating, “Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack.”
Numerous international leaders echoed similar sentiments, including officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, New Zealand, and others. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Australian Prime Minister Albanese for his stance on Palestinian statehood, alleging it fuels antisemitic sentiments.
The American Jewish Committee noted that the attack was preceded by warnings from the Australian Jewish community regarding unchecked antisemitic rhetoric leading to violence.
As the investigation unfolds, Australian authorities remain on high alert in addressing safety in the wake of this tragic event.