On Sunday evening, December 14, 2025, a deadly mass shooting occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, during a large gathering for a Hanukkah celebration known as Chanukah by the Sea, when hundreds of families and community members had come together to mark the first night of the Jewish festival in a public event near Campbell Parade. Australian authorities and police confirmed that the attack was deliberate, targeted the Jewish community, and has been officially classified as a terrorist incident driven by antisemitic motives.
Two men armed with multiple firearms opened fire on the crowds from a raised position near the beachfront promenade, unleashing a barrage of shots that caused widespread panic as terrified attendees scrambled for cover or fled the area. Witnesses described screams and chaos as people, including children and elderly family members, ran for safety while emergency services rushed to the scene.
By Monday morning, police confirmed that the two suspected gunmen were a father and son: a 50-year-old man who was shot and killed by responding officers at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, who was critically wounded and taken into custody under heavy police guard. New South Wales Police said forensic investigations and on-site inquiries indicate that they acted together in the attack, and there is currently no indication of a third active shooter.
As of the latest official updates, at least 15–16 people were killed in the attack, with the number of fatalities continuing to be confirmed as authorities cross-check hospital and field reports. Among the dead are civilians of various ages, including children, and members of the local and visiting Jewish community. Dozens of others were wounded, some seriously, and several are reported to be in critical condition in Sydney hospitals. Two police officers were also injured in the response to the shooting.
In addition to the gunfire, law enforcement teams discovered suspected explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the attackers; bomb squad units were deployed and have since secured and removed these devices while investigating whether they were intended to be used as part of the assault.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the massacre, describing it as a “devastating and targeted act of hatred” against a peaceful religious community and promising federal support for the victims, families, and survivors of the attack. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called the violence “evil” and pledged a thorough inquiry into the motives behind the shooting and any potential wider networks of influence.
Global leaders, including officials from Israel, the United States, and the United Nations, swiftly issued statements of solidarity with Australia and strong condemnation of the attack, highlighting ongoing concerns about rising antisemitism and targeted violence against Jewish communities worldwide.
The Bondi Beach tragedy has deeply shaken both Sydney’s local community and the international Jewish diaspora, prompting vigils, heightened security at Jewish centers, and calls for sustained efforts to counter hate-based violence.
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