12 Killed In Hanukkah Attack At Sydney’s Bondi Beach; Scores Injured

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

JERUSALEM/SYDNEY (Worthy News) – Australian authorities said at least 12 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and dozens wounded in a shooting attack linked to a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, an incident condemned by leaders in Australia, Britain, and Israel as antisemitic terrorism.

Officials announced that at least 29 people, including two police officers, were injured and taken to hospitals following the Sunday eveningattack, which occurred as members of Sydney’s Jewish community gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah.

Police said the incident has been declared a terrorist matter under Australian law and remains under active investigation.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said authorities believe the attack deliberately targeted Sydney’s Jewish community, calling it a devastating moment for the state.

“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” Minns said about the tragedy during the Jewish holiday celebration.

A senior law-enforcement official confirmed to Australian media that one of the alleged attackers was Naveed Akram, from the Bonnyrigg area in Sydney’s south-west. Police said one suspect was fatally shot, while a second alleged shooter remains in critical condition. Investigators cautioned that details may change as inquiries continue.

SCENES OF PANIC AT BONDI BEACH

Gunfire erupted along the popular waterfront shortly before 6:45 p.m. local time, triggering scenes of panic as hundreds of beachgoers fled, according to verified video footage and police accounts reviewed by Worthy News.

While smaller in scale, Sunday’s attack resembled to a certain extent the October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel, in which Hamas killed some 1,200 people, most of them Jewish civilians targeted for who they are.

In Sidney, emergency services established a large exclusion zone as armed officers, ambulances, and rescue teams flooded the area. Several victims were seen being transported on stretchers.

Worthy News obtained video footage appearing to show victims lying near police officers and bystanders attempting first aid, but the agency chose not to publish the material due to ethical concerns and the possibility that family members had not yet been notified.

While smaller in scale, the attack resembled, to a certain extent, the October 7, 2023, massacre in which Hamas killed some 1,200 people, most of them Jewish civilians targeted for who they are.

As the extent of Sunday’s bloodshed became known, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency national security meeting, describing the shooting as a “devastating terrorist incident” and “an act of evil antisemitism.” He added: “The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.”

ISRAEL AND BRITAIN REACT

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the shooting, calling it “vile terrorism” and urging Australian authorities to confront what he described as a rising wave of antisemitism.

“At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney have been attacked by vile terrorists in a cruel assault on Jews who came to light the first candle of Chanukah,” Herzog said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed those sentiments, expressing solidarity with Australia and its Jewish community.

“Britain stands with Australia and the Jewish community in Sydney,” Starmer said, adding that antisemitic violence must be confronted wherever it occurs.

The Australian Jewish Association said the shooting occurred during “Chanukah by the Sea,” a public celebration marking the holiday. “Please pray for the Australian Jewish community,” the group said in a statement.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley described the shooting as “hateful violence striking at the heart” of an iconic Australian community. “This was meant to be a celebration of peace and hope,” she said. “Instead, it was severed by hate.”

RISING ANTISEMITISM RAISES ALARMS

Police urged the public to avoid the area and follow all official directions, confirming that operations remained ongoing late into the evening.

The attack comes amid broader concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, with Jewish leaders warning of an increasingly hostile environment.

In recent months, synagogues and Jewish community buildings in Sydney and Melbourne have been vandalized, including antisemitic graffiti and property damage, while Jewish schools and institutions have received threats, prompting increased police protection.

Authorities have also investigated antisemitic chants, symbols, and intimidation reported at some demonstrations, while Jewish organizations report a sharp rise in online harassment and threats targeting Jewish Australians.

Community leaders have warned that unchecked hatred risks escalating from words into violence, such as the deadly attack seen Sunday.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with police reviewing security footage and witness statements. Officials cautioned that casualty figures and suspect details may change as more information is confirmed.

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