Deadly Antisemitic Attack Targets Hanukkah Celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach

On December 14, 2025, a mass shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 40 injuries. The attack, described by authorities as a targeted antisemitic terrorist incident, took place during the "Chanukah by the Sea" event attended by approximately 1,000 people.

The assailants, identified as a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son, opened fire on the crowd. The elder gunman was killed by police at the scene, while the son was wounded and hospitalized. Among the victims were Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as "pure evil" and announced plans to propose stricter national gun laws. These reforms aim to limit the number of firearms per licensed owner and enhance oversight of firearm licenses.

The incident has prompted increased security measures for Jewish communities worldwide. Authorities in cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., and London have deployed additional resources to synagogues and Hanukkah celebrations. Global leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, have expressed solidarity with the victims and condemned the attack.

This tragedy marks the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre and has intensified concerns about rising antisemitism in the country. Jewish leaders have criticized the government for not taking sufficient action to prevent such violence.