A mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday has left at least 12 dead and many others injured. Witnesses described chaos as gunfire erupted during the traditional candle lighting event.
"I heard explosions, and we didn’t know what it was at first," said Sydney resident Chaim Levy, who was attending with his children. "We ducked behind a car until the shooting stopped, and then we ran to our car. My wife and daughter fled to another area without shoes. We just ran. We left strollers and bags behind. We’re in shock."
One of the shooters taken down
A video circulating on social media shows two gunmen firing at people attending the event, which was organized by Chabad. After several minutes, the gunmen were reportedly neutralized by police. Authorities are still investigating if others involved in the attack remain at large.
According to local reports, the shooting took place near Bondi Park, where about 400 people had gathered for the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle. The Jewish Community Council of New South Wales (JCCNSW) issued an urgent statement advising the public to stay home and follow police instructions while investigations continue.
Levy, who was at the scene, criticized the security measures, saying that only a few police officers were present when the attack began. "It took about 15 minutes for backup to arrive," he said. "When I first left, I didn’t know it was gunfire, just explosions from all directions."
The start of the attack
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with some finding shelter under tables. In a WhatsApp group chat among Jewish community members, messages from those caught in the attack reflected the fear and confusion, with one member writing, “Is it still happening? My friend is hiding under a table.”
Israeli citizens living in Sydney also expressed concerns, with one Jewish resident describing the situation as “tragic for our community. We knew this could happen,” he said. Another community member blamed the Australian government’s failure to address previous attacks on the Jewish community. "This is what happens when the government ignores previous attacks against us," he said.
The shooting also brought attention to rising antisemitism in Australia. Dr. Danny Lam, president of the Mizrachi movement in Australia, described the attack as a wake-up call. “We thought it would never reach this level,” Lam said. "When there were attacks on synagogues and restaurants, we learned that Iran sent people to carry them out. But this shooting, it makes the threat much more real.”
President Isaac Herzog expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia, calling the attack “heart-wrenching” and reiterated calls for the Australian government to take stronger action against growing antisemitism.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar added, “This attack was expected. For two years, there have been antisemitic protests in Australia, especially in Sydney, with chants of ‘Globalize the Intifada.’ This is what we warned about, and sadly, the Australian government didn’t take sufficient steps. They must act now."
The Israeli Embassy in Australia also condemned the attack and reiterated the need for stronger protection of Jewish institutions and communities.