Australian authorities say two gunmen opened fire during a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing at least 11 people in what officials declared a terrorist attack. Police shot one of the attackers dead and arrested the other, who is now in critical condition.
At least 29 people were injured in the rampage, including two police officers, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. Authorities confirmed one of the suspects had been known to security services, but no specific threat had been identified beforehand.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the assault as “an act of evil, antisemitism, and terrorism,” describing it as a tragic blow to the nation.
Jewish Celebration Targeted
The attack struck a large gathering called Chanukah by the Sea, marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival. State Premier Chris Minns said the gunmen deliberately targeted Sydney’s Jewish community.
Chabad, an international Jewish outreach movement, confirmed that Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a key event organizer, was among the victims.
Videos posted online showed two men firing rifles from a bridge, and one clip captured a bystander tackling and disarming one of the attackers.
Witnesses Describe Panic and Chaos
Many attendees and beachgoers fled in terror as gunshots echoed across the area.
Lachlan Moran, 32, said he instantly ran when he heard the shots. “Everyone dropped their things and ran. People were crying. It was horrible,” he told AP.
Another witness, Grace from Melbourne, said the shooting lasted several minutes. “It must have been more than 50 shots,” she said. “People were screaming and hiding behind anything they could find.”
Police responded around 6:45 p.m. and later discovered improvised explosive devices in one suspect’s car.
Leaders Respond with Shock and Condemnation
Prime Minister Albanese expressed deep grief, calling it a targeted attack on Jewish Australians during a moment meant for celebration. He promised full accountability for those involved and urged unity against hate.
World leaders also reacted. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “ghastly terrorist attack,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it appalling. Police in London increased security at Jewish sites as a precaution.
A Rise in Antisemitic Attacks in Australia
Australia’s Jewish community, numbering around 117,000 people, has faced a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents since October 2023. Reports of harassment, vandalism, and violence more than tripled in the past year.
Last summer, both Sydney and Melbourne experienced a wave of antisemitic attacks, including arson at synagogues and assaults on Jewish residents. In August, Albanese blamed Iran for two such incidents—though officials have not linked Tehran to Sunday’s shooting.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog urged Australia to take stronger action to protect Jewish communities.
Mass Shootings Are Rare in Australia
Australia has some of the strictest gun laws in the world following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in which 35 people were killed. Since then, mass shootings have been extremely uncommon, making Sunday’s tragedy even more shocking.
Police say the investigation remains active, with officers still examining suspicious items and gathering evidence from dozens of witnesses.