The festive lights of Hanukkah had barely begun to glow over Bondi Beach when gunfire started shattering the evening, leaving 15 dead, dozens injured, and a nation grappling with grief. It came amid an attack that was instantly declared a targeted antisemitic terrorist incident, one of the darkest days in decades for a country where mass shootings are rare.
1. The Attack and Its Immediate Toll
In a “Hanukkah by the Sea” celebration Sunday night with more than 1,000 in attendance, two gunmen-a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son-opened fire with long guns. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the elder suspect was killed at the scene while the younger, identified as Naveed Akram, remains in hospital in serious condition. The dead also included a 12-year-old child, two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and foreign nationals from France and Slovakia. New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park described the attack as “absolutely horrendous,” noting three other children remain in hospital receiving treatment.
2. Victims Remembered
It was a deeply personal blow to Sydney’s Jewish community: among the dead were Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a father of five and key organizer of the event; Alexander Kleytman, a survivor of the Holocaust who died shielding his wife from gunfire; French soccer player Dan Elkayam; Slovak national Marika Pogány; community leader Yaakov Levitan; and great-grandfather Tibor Weitzen. Each name represents a story of devotion, joy, and service that has been suddenly brought short.
3. Acts of Courage Amid Chaos
In the midst of the terror, acts of courage stood tall. Footage on video captured fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed tackling and disarming one of the shooters along Campbell Parade. Shot in the shoulder during the tussle, he survived and has been praised by Premier Chris Minns as a “genuine hero.” Another man, only identified by his initials “AB,” kicked away a gun from the younger shooter while stepping into police fire, despite not having permanent legal standing in the country. A fundraiser for Ahmed has raised over 1.4 million Australian dollars to help him recover.
4. The Growing Antisemitism in Australia
It comes amid a documented surge in antisemitic incidents since the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry recorded 1,654 antisemitic incidents between October 2024 and September 2025-or nearly five times the pre-2023 annual average. Synagogues have been firebombed, Jewish schools vandalized, and threats issued against Jewish patients in hospitals. Community leaders say repeated warnings to the government went unheeded, fostering an environment in which violent rhetoric and attacks have become alarmingly normalized.
5. Political and Global Reactions
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack “an act of pure evil.” He vowed to unite the country in response. World leaders, such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King Charles, and Pope Leo, all showed unity with Australia, with many publicly denouncing antisemitism. Top Israeli officials called on Australia to do more to combat hate speech against their country in light of slogans such as “Globalize the Intifada” and “Death to the IDF,” which they said directly lead to violence.
6. Intelligence and Security Challenges
Authorities further revealed that Naveed Akram was, in 2019, investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation over links with individuals who were later imprisoned on terrorism grounds. The investigation did not have proof of radicalization then. Analysts say this is consistent with challenges faced by intelligence services worldwide-to distinctly differentiate between those holding extremist views and those that might conduct violence. Improvised explosive devices were also found in a vehicle located close to the scene, a police statement read, underlining the extent of the threat.
7. Community Resilience and Recovery
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Australians have reacted in support and solidarity. The Australian Red Cross reported 40,000 blood donation appointments booked on Monday-a surge reminiscent of the response to the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Flowers and candles now line memorials near Bondi Beach, and vigils are held across the country. Mental health experts advise limiting exposure to disturbing footage, reaching out to community supports, and focusing on constructive actions-such as volunteering or donating-to help restore a sense of agency amid grief.
8. Public Safety Measures to Come
The Albanese government said it would restrict gun licenses to Australian citizens and limit the kinds of firearms that can be acquired and how many of them. Special envoys to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia, appointed last year, are also expected to recommend further actions to protect vulnerable communities. Jewish leaders say physical security at synagogues, schools, and nurseries is paramount, as is stricter enforcement of existing laws against hate speech.
Even as Bondi Beach mourns, the stories of bravery and kindness-from bystanders who risked their lives to strangers lining up to give blood-serve as a reminder that cohesion and resilience can persist in the face of violence.
