Terror Attack at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Event Leaves 11 Dead in Targeted Antisemitic Shooting

SYDNEY (VINnews) — At least 11 people were killed and nearly 30 others wounded Sunday in a terrorist attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, Australian authorities said.

The shooting occurred during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event organized by Chabad of Bondi, which drew hundreds to Archer Park near the beach pavilion to mark the first night of Hanukkah.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of evil antisemitism and terrorism that has struck at the heart of our nation.”

“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith,” Albanese said in a national address. “The evil that was unleashed at Bondi Beach today is beyond comprehension.”

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called it a “targeted attack on the Jewish community,” while NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon declared the incident a terrorist act.

One of the suspected gunmen, identified by law enforcement sources as 24-year-old Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest, was among the dead after a shootout with police. A second gunman was in critical condition in custody. Authorities are investigating possible involvement of a third suspect.

Police said a vehicle near the scene contained several suspected improvised explosive devices, which a bomb disposal unit safely removed.

Sydney Rabbi Levi Wolff told Sky News that a fellow rabbi and “dear friend” was among those killed. Chabad media director Motti Seligson confirmed that a Chabad emissary in Australia was slain in the attack.

Witnesses described chaos as gunmen in black clothing opened fire from an elevated walkway, sending crowds fleeing across the sand on a warm summer evening.

At least 29 people, including two police officers, were hospitalized with injuries.

The attack, one of Australia’s deadliest in decades, comes amid heightened concerns over antisemitism in the country.

Albanese vowed that Australia would “eradicate” such hate and terrorism, saying, “My message to Jewish Australians is that your fellow Australians stand with you tonight.”