Two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, k!lling at least 11 people in an attack Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as antisemitic terrorism that shook the nation
The shooting, the deadliest in nearly three decades in Australia, occurred at one of the country’s most iconic beaches amid a Chanukah by the Sea event marking the start of the eight-day festival.
Authorities stressed that while Australia has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents over the past year, there is no confirmed link between those attacks and Sunday’s shooting.
Police reported that one gunman was shot d3ad at the scene, while the second was arrested and remains in critical condition. Authorities said one of the assailants was known to security services, though no specific threat had been identified. At least 29 others, including two officers, were injured in the attack, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
Officers are investigating several suspicious items, including improvised explosive devices discovered in one of the suspects’ vehicles. “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” said New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.
The violence unfolded late in the afternoon as thousands enjoyed a summer day at Bondi Beach. Chabad, the Orthodox Jewish organization that organizes public events during Jewish holidays, confirmed that Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key event organizer, was among the deceased. Israel’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed the death of an Israeli citizen.
Police said the shooting began around 6:45 p.m. on Campbell Parade, with eyewitness footage showing people fleeing the beach in panic. Other video showed two men in black firing rifles from a footbridge overlooking the event, as sirens blared and crowds screamed.
A dramatic clip aired on Australian television captured a bystander tackling and disarming one of the gunmen, then placing the weapon on the ground. Premier Minns called the unidentified man a “genuine hero.”
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
