Mass Shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach Hanukkah Celebration Leaves 12 Dead

A mass shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, resulting in 12 deaths, including one of the gunmen, and 29 injuries. The attack took place during the 'Chanukah by the Sea' event, organized by the Chabad of Bondi, which attracted approximately 1,000 attendees.

Witnesses reported that two assailants dressed in black opened fire on the crowd around 6:47 p.m. local time. One gunman was killed by police at the scene, while the other was critically injured and taken into custody. Authorities are investigating the possibility of a third suspect.

Among the victims were Rabbi Eli Schlanger of Chabad of Bondi and a 12-year-old girl. The injured included at least two police officers.

A bystander, identified as 43-year-old Ahmed el Ahmed, was praised for his bravery in tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. Ahmed sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and hand during the struggle and is currently hospitalized.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, describing it as 'an act of evil antisemitism.' He convened a meeting of the National Security Committee to address the incident.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the attack, calling it 'cold-blooded murder' and attributing it to rising antisemitism. Netanyahu criticized Australia's support for Palestinian statehood, suggesting it has contributed to increased antisemitic incidents.

The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident and have urged the public to avoid the area while the situation is assessed.