At least 11 people were killed and many others injured on Sunday evening after two gunmen opened fire during a Jewish festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in what Australian authorities have described as a terrorist attack.
The shooting occurred during the annual “Hanukkah by the Sea” event, which was attended by more than 1,000 people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The attack happened at around 6:47 pm local time, one of the busiest periods at the popular beach, which attracts large crowds of tourists, surfers, and families.
New South Wales police said the gunmen targeted the gathering, opening fire on the crowd and causing panic as people fled in all directions. Emergency services rushed at least 29 injured people to nearby hospitals. One of the suspected attackers was shot dead at the scene, while the second was critically injured and taken into custody.
Police declared the incident a terrorist attack and said they discovered suspected improvised explosive devices inside a vehicle linked to the deceased suspect near the beach. Authorities immediately sealed off the area and launched a large-scale security operation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting in a televised address, calling it “an act of evil, antisemitism, and terrorism.” He praised members of the public who bravely tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen, describing them as heroes.
“This was a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on a day meant for joy and celebration,” Albanese said. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as gunfire rang out. One witness said he saw several people lying dead or wounded on the sand, while another recalled hearing repeated gunshots that lasted several minutes. Abandoned belongings, including a child’s stroller, were left scattered as people ran for safety. Paramedics treated the injured on the grass overlooking the beach, and a firearm believed to be a pump-action shotgun was found nearby.
International condemnation followed quickly. Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the shooting as a “cruel attack on Jews” and urged Australia to intensify efforts to combat antisemitism.
The attack comes amid heightened concern over antisemitic incidents in Australia since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. In recent years, authorities have linked several antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne to foreign-backed influence, including arson attacks on Jewish sites. Although those earlier incidents caused no injuries, they increased fears within Jewish communities.
Leaders from different faiths across Australia condemned the Bondi Beach attack. The Australian National Imams Council described the shooting as horrific and expressed sympathy for the victims, their families, and all those traumatized by the incident.
Local authorities and national security agencies have launched a full investigation as the country mourns one of the deadliest attacks in its recent history. Flags were lowered, and vigils were planned in Sydney and other cities to honor the victims and stand in solidarity against hate and violence.
