At least 11 people have been killed and dozens more injured after gunmen opened fire on participants of a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The attack is being treated as terrorism targeting the Jewish community. Among the dead are Chabad emissary Eli Schlanger and a student at a local Jewish school.
Witnesses reported panic and chaos as attendees, including many children, fled the scene of the event, which was organized by Chabad. Videos from the scene showed victims lying on the ground and a tallit stained with blood. In one video, civilians and police can be seen subduing two of the shooters, with one of them being resuscitated. There are reports of a third shooter, who was reportedly neutralized by an onlooker.
Report: at least 10 killed, 60 wounded in mass shooting at Australia Hanukkah event
The shooting occurred near the northern end of the popular Bondi Beach, close to Bondi Park, while around 2,000 members of the Jewish community were gathered for the celebration. The gunfire erupted during a speech by a community leader, and opposition leader Kelly Sloane was also scheduled to speak when the attack occurred.
A member of the Jewish community in Australia, who was en route to the celebration, shared, "There was a massive panic. This is a Chabad event for families, mostly with young children. From what I’ve heard, there’s a lot of fear. People were pushed further up the beach for safety. Australians aren’t used to this kind of event, so I’m trying to reassure my friend who was nearby but unharmed."
Local residents have expressed deep concern over rising antisemitic sentiments. One individual said, "This was expected. The daily hatred toward Jews here is abnormal." Another anonymous community member added, "We all knew it was just a matter of time, but some politicians dismissed our concerns."
One of the shooters being taken down
The shooting is believed to have been carried out from a nearby bridge, adding to the fear among attendees. Footage from the scene shows people lying in pools of blood as the chaos unfolded.
A spokesperson for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern and urged those in the area to follow police instructions. New South Wales Police have called on anyone near Bondi Beach to take shelter as they continue their investigation.
The Israeli government and international Jewish organizations have condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims and urging Australia to take stronger action against rising antisemitism.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with authorities working to confirm the full extent of the casualties. The public is advised to avoid the area as the situation develops.
President Herzog said shortly after the attack: “At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach.
“Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives.
“We send our warmest strength from Jerusalem.
“We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”
First published: 10:16, 12.14.25