Deadly Terror Attack at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Event in Sydney

Sydney, Australia – December 15, 2025 A devastating terrorist attack unfolded on Sunday evening at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach during a public celebration marking the first night of Hanukkah. Father-and-son gunmen opened fire on hundreds gathered for the “Chanukah by the Sea” event organized by Chabad of Bondi, killing at least 15 people and injuring around 40 others in what authorities have declared a targeted antisemitic act.

Details of the Attack

The shooting began around 6:45 p.m. local time in Archer Park near the Bondi Pavilion. Witnesses described two men, armed with rifles and dressed in dark clothing, positioning themselves on a pedestrian footbridge overlooking the crowd. They fired dozens of rounds—reports indicate over 100 shots in under 10 minutes—causing panic as families fled toward the beach, streets, and ocean.

Police responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a shootout. The older gunman, identified as Sajid Akram (50), was killed at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram (24), was critically injured and remains in hospital under police guard, where charges are expected.

A local bystander, Ahmed al-Ahmed (or Ahmed al Ahmed), a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, was hailed as a hero for tackling one of the gunmen from behind, disarming him despite being shot himself. He is recovering in hospital.

Authorities also discovered two rudimentary improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a vehicle linked to the suspects, which were safely neutralized. Reports confirm Islamic State flags were found in the vehicle, prompting a major counter-terrorism probe into possible extremist links.

Victims and Casualties

• Confirmed deaths: 15 civilians (ages 10 to 87, including children), plus one gunman.
• Injured: Approximately 38-40 hospitalized, including two police officers.
• Identified victims include:
  • Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and event organizer.
  • Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor attending with family.
  • Others from Sydney’s Jewish community, including an Israeli citizen.

Memorials quickly formed at the Bondi Pavilion, with flowers and candles honoring the victims.

Official Reactions

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “an act of pure evil” and a “targeted attack on Jewish Australians,” vowing to deploy every resource to combat antisemitism. He announced plans to discuss tougher gun laws, despite Australia’s strict regulations introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called it a “cowardly act of terrifying violence.” The national terrorism threat level remains “probable.”

International leaders condemned the attack, including U.S. officials offering assistance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and others expressing solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.

Broader Context

The attack comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia since the October 2023 escalation in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Bondi’s eastern suburbs host a significant Jewish population, making the location particularly symbolic.

This is Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since Port Arthur and its most severe terrorist incident in recent history.

Investigations continue, with the crime scene expected to remain active for days. The nation mourns as the Jewish community and broader Australia grapple with the tragedy during what should have been a joyous festival of lights.