Sydney [Australia], December 15 (ANI): A targeted terror attack on Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has left at least 16 people dead and around 40 hospitalised, New South Wales (NSW) Police confirmed on Monday.
The shooting erupted on Sunday as more than 1,000 people gathered for “Chanukah by the Sea,” a family-oriented event organised by the Chabad of Bondi Jewish community centre. The celebration, marking the first day of Hanukkah, was promoted as an evening of light, joy and community before it was shattered by gunfire.
Police said the assault was deliberately aimed at Sydney’s Jewish community and was officially declared a terrorist incident hours after it occurred. Authorities cited the timing of the attack, the nature of the weapons used and the actions of the perpetrators in reaching that determination.
According to NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, two suspects—a father and his son—were involved. The 50-year-old father was shot dead by police at the scene, while the 24-year-old son remains in hospital in critical but stable condition. Police have also confirmed that an improvised explosive device was found in a vehicle linked to the deceased attacker and was safely secured by bomb disposal units. Investigators are examining whether a third individual may have been involved.
A Jewish community representative confirmed that among the victims were a 12-year-old girl and a rabbi. One Israeli citizen was also killed, while another was injured and remains under treatment.
The area around Bondi Beach remains sealed as forensic teams continue their work. Police have imposed road closures and banned aerial activity, including drones, over the crime scene.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as a “devastating terror act,” describing it as “a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy and celebration of faith.” He stressed that there is “no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation,” and pledged national unity in the face of the assault.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the attack “abhorrent,” rejecting terrorism, antisemitism, violence and hate in all forms, while offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing the injured a full recovery.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the incident as a deliberate strike on the Jewish community, saying a night meant for peace and joy was “shattered by this horrifying, evil attack.” He also praised a bystander who intervened and disarmed one of the attackers, calling the individual a “genuine hero” whose bravery saved lives.
The attack drew swift condemnation from leaders around the world. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington “strongly condemns” the violence, emphasising that antisemitism has no place in the world. US President Donald Trump urged people celebrating Hanukkah to “celebrate proudly” despite the attack. Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, New Zealand, Ireland and the Netherlands expressed solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community.
Israeli leaders reacted with shock and anger, with several officials accusing the Australian government of failing to curb a rise in antisemitism. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called for “significant action” following the attack.
The Jewish Council of Australia described the shooting as a “horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope,” saying the community had been left devastated and shaken.
Australia has rarely experienced mass shootings since introducing strict gun control laws following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, 31 firearm-related homicides were recorded nationwide in 2023–24, the most recent figures available.
Investigations into the Bondi Beach terror attack are ongoing, with authorities urging calm while assuring the public—particularly the Jewish community—that their safety remains a priority. (ANI)
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