A devastating shooting in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday evening left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Australian authorities have swiftly declared the incident a terrorist attack, specifically targeting the Jewish community, sparking widespread condemnation and raising concerns about rising antisemitism. The attack occurred as approximately 1,000 people gathered for “Chanukah by the Sea,” an annual event hosted by Chabad of Bondi.
The shooting began around 6:45 pm local time, with two gunmen opening fire from a footbridge overlooking the beach. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and panic as attendees fled the area, many leaving personal belongings behind. Emergency services responded immediately, and a large-scale investigation is now underway to determine the full extent of the attack and the motives behind it.
The Aftermath of the Sydney Terrorist Attack
The confirmed death toll currently stands at 15, including one of the attackers who was shot and killed by police at the scene. The second gunman, a 24-year-old male, was apprehended and remains in critical condition under police custody. At least 40 individuals were hospitalized with injuries ranging in severity, with three children among those receiving medical attention.
Tragically, several of the victims have been identified, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a key organizer of the event, a 12-year-old girl, and Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has also confirmed that an Israeli citizen was among those killed, and a French citizen, Dan Elkayam, also perished in the attack. Two police officers were also injured during the incident and have undergone surgery.
Suspect Identification and Background
Police have identified the two attackers as a father and son. The father, aged 50, was a licensed firearms dealer with six registered firearms. Authorities are investigating how he legally obtained the weapons and whether they were used in the attack. The son has been identified as Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg, a suburb in Sydney’s southwest.
A search of a home linked to one of the suspects in Bonnyrigg was conducted by police. Additionally, authorities discovered and removed improvised explosive devices from a vehicle parked on Campbell Parade, also connected to one of the gunmen. Mike Burgess, the Director-General of ASIO, Australia’s security intelligence organization, confirmed that one of the attackers was previously known to them, but was not considered an immediate threat.
Heroic Actions During the Bondi Beach Shooting
Amidst the terror, one individual displayed extraordinary bravery. Video footage circulating online shows a man tackling one of the gunmen, disarming him and wrestling away his rifle. Australian media have identified this man as Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit stand owner from Sydney.
Al-Ahmed sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and hand during the struggle and required surgery. He is currently recovering in the hospital. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns hailed him as “a genuine hero,” stating that his actions likely saved numerous lives.
Global Condemnation and Rising Antisemitism
The attack has drawn swift and widespread condemnation from world leaders. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the event as “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism,” emphasizing that an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians. Flags across Australia are flying at half-mast in mourning.
French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident an “antisemitic terrorist attack” and pledged continued efforts to combat antisemitic hatred. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in Sydney and urged Australia to address the growing wave of antisemitism. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the Australian government, alleging that it had contributed to the rise in antisemitism.
The United States and the United Kingdom also voiced their support and condemnation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that “antisemitism has no place in this world,” while King Charles III and Queen Camilla of Britain expressed their shock and commended the bravery of the police and bystanders.
This attack marks the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which prompted significant gun control reforms. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) has reported a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents in Australia, with 1,654 recorded between October 2023 and September 2024 – a nearly fivefold increase compared to the previous year. Recent incidents include arson attacks on Jewish institutions in Melbourne and Sydney.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on understanding the full extent of the attackers’ motivations and any potential connections to extremist groups. The focus will also be on providing support to the victims and their families, and addressing the underlying causes of antisemitism in Australia. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.