What was meant to be a night of light, unity, and celebration on Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach descended into horror on Sunday evening, as a targeted antisemitic terror attack claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl and a rabbi, during a public Hanukkah celebration attended by more than 1,000 people.
Australian authorities have formally declared the shooting a terrorist incident, confirming that the victims were deliberately targeted for their Jewish identity — a development that has sent shockwaves through Australia and reverberated across Jewish communities worldwide.
What Happened at Bondi Beach
The attack began at approximately 6:37 p.m. local time, when two gunmen opened fire on families gathered near the shoreline to mark the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted across the crowded promenade, sending parents, children, and elderly attendees scrambling for safety.
Police later confirmed that the perpetrators were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son. The older suspect, a licensed firearms holder for nearly a decade, was shot dead by police at the scene. His son remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition under police guard.
Authorities recovered six firearms, along with two active improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in a nearby vehicle, which were safely dismantled by bomb disposal units. Investigators have stated there are no additional suspects, though the motive remains under investigation.
Victims Across Generations
New South Wales officials confirmed that the victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old, underscoring the indiscriminate brutality of the attack. Among those killed was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a father of five, whose family confirmed his death to the BBC.
More than 40 people remain hospitalized, including several children, some in serious condition. Emergency responders reached the scene within minutes, with paramedics and police working side by side to evacuate the wounded — in some cases using police vehicles as ambulances.
A Hero Amid the Horror
Video footage circulating globally shows a civilian bystander tackling and disarming one of the gunmen, an act authorities say saved lives. The man was shot during the struggle and underwent surgery but is expected to recover.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described him as a “genuine hero,” while international leaders — including US President Donald Trump — praised his bravery.
National and Global Reaction
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack in unequivocal terms, calling it:
“An act of pure evil. An act of antisemitism. An act of terrorism on our shores.”
Flags across Australia have been ordered to fly at half-staff, and police presence has been dramatically increased around synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers nationwide.
International condemnation followed swiftly:
- King Charles III said he was “appalled and saddened” by the “most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack.”
- Israel’s Knesset was lit in the colors of the Australian flag in solidarity.
- The Palestinian Authority formally condemned the attack, rejecting all forms of terrorism and extremism.
- Cities including London, Berlin, Paris, and New York heightened security at Hanukkah events and places of worship.
Israel’s National Security Council issued a global travel alert, warning of potential copycat attacks and urging heightened vigilance around Jewish and Israeli sites.
Rising Antisemitism Under the Spotlight
The attack has reignited urgent conversations about the global rise in antisemitism. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), antisemitic incidents in Australia have surged by nearly 500% since October 7.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt described the tragedy as “shocking, but not surprising,” warning that physical security alone cannot counter hate.
“You can never build walls high enough,” he said, calling on political leaders and civil society to confront antisemitism openly and forcefully.
Despite the fear, Jewish communities worldwide responded with resilience. From Los Angeles to Berlin, Hanukkah candles were lit as symbols of defiance — light against darkness.
A Nation Changed
Bondi Beach, long synonymous with joy, summer, and multicultural harmony, remains closed as forensic teams continue their work. For many Australians, the attack has shattered the belief that such violence “doesn’t happen here.”
Australia’s national terrorism threat level remains “probable”, indicating an elevated risk of further attacks — particularly in crowded public spaces.
Yet amid grief, officials and community leaders have emphasized unity, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
As Prime Minister Albanese stated:
“The Jewish community has every right to celebrate openly and safely. Australia stands with them.”
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