Gunmen Kill 12 at Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney's Bondi Beach

A mass shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on December 14, 2025, resulting in 12 deaths, including one of the gunmen, and at least 29 injuries. The attack took place around 6:45 p.m. local time during the "Chanukah by the Sea" event, which attracted hundreds of attendees.

New South Wales Police responded promptly, engaging the assailants. One gunman was killed at the scene, while a second was critically injured and taken into custody. Authorities are investigating the possibility of a third suspect.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, describing it as a "targeted attack against Jewish Australians" and a "terrorist incident." He emphasized, "An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian."

Among the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event.

Video footage captured a bystander, identified as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. His actions have been widely praised, with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns commending his "genuine heroism."

Mass shootings are rare in Australia, largely due to the country's strict gun laws implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. This incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 2022.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood, suggesting it contributed to rising antisemitism. He stated, "Your government did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia."

The attack has prompted renewed scrutiny of Australia's firearm regulations and raised concerns about the safety of the Jewish community amid a reported surge in antisemitic incidents.