A mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney has left at least 12 people murdered and many more wounded. The attack struck a large Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach and has been described as one of the deadliest antisemitic incidents in Australia’s recent history, reports Israel National News.
The event took place during “Chanukah by the Sea,” organised by Chabad of Bondi and attended by around 2,000 people. Early reports from Sky News Australia stated that 10 people had been murdered, with police later confirming that the death toll had risen to 12. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted near the beach, with some reporting that two attackers dressed in black opened fire on the crowd.
One witness told the Sydney Morning Herald, “I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere.” Another witness told 9 News that wounded people were being “carried out on surfboards because there weren’t enough stretchers.” Videos posted online showed numerous victims lying on the ground while bystanders and emergency responders attempted CPR.
NSW Police described the situation as a “developing incident,” urging the public to avoid the area and seek shelter. Authorities confirmed that two individuals were taken into custody. Reports indicate that one of the attackers was killed during the response.
Chabad later announced that one of its emissaries was among those murdered. The attack occurred near a playground and family activity area, where many children and parents had gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke with David Ossip, President of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, expressing deep shock and extending support to the Jewish community in Sydney. Ossip shared initial details of the tragedy with the minister.
The World Zionist Organisation also condemned the attack. Its chairman, Yaakov Hagoel, warned that the global rise in antisemitic violence since 7 October represents a serious threat to Jews worldwide. “The series of antisemitic attacks around the world is shocking and reminds us all of dark periods in history,” he said. “A war has broken out not only against the State of Israel but against every Jew around the world.” Hagoel added that the organisation will continue to support Jewish communities everywhere and urged the Australian government to take firm action against antisemitism.
He concluded by recalling the meaning of the festival: “The Hanukkah holiday we celebrate this evening reminds us that the light of the Jewish people will ultimately triumph over the darkness.”
Photo credit: Getty
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