Bondi Beach Shooting: Deadly Terror Attack Targets Jewish Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney

December 14, 2025
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Sorenamoo
Posted in Internasional

A deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, has left at least eleven people dead in what Australian authorities have officially declared a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration.

The attack unfolded in North Bondi, a typically quiet and family-oriented residential area adjacent to the world-famous beach. The Jewish festival, held near a children’s playground and close to a primary school, had drawn hundreds of families enjoying the warm evening. Within hours, the vibrant streets filled with restaurants, gelato shops, and young families turned into a crime scene dominated by police vehicles and emergency responders.

Terror Attack Confirmed by Police

New South Wales Police confirmed that the shooting was a deliberate act of terrorism motivated by antisemitism. Two gunmen were involved; one was killed at the scene, while the other remains in custody in serious condition. Authorities are also investigating whether a third attacker may have been involved.

Police have not yet publicly identified the suspects or the victims, citing respect for families still being notified. Investigators also discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a vehicle linked to one of the attackers. Bomb disposal units were deployed, and the devices have since been secured and removed.

Casualties and Eyewitness Accounts

In addition to the fatalities, at least 29 people were taken to hospital, including a child and two police officers who sustained critical injuries. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic, with many initially mistaking the sound of gunfire for fireworks before people began running and screaming for safety.

Several witnesses reported seeing attackers firing from an elevated position near a pedestrian bridge overlooking the park. Footage verified by journalists showed multiple victims lying on the ground near tents set up for the Hanukkah event. One bystander was widely praised for bravely wrestling a gun away from one of the attackers, potentially preventing further loss of life.

Jewish Leaders Call for Protection

The attack has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide. Leaders in Australia and the UK have expressed deep grief and anger, calling for heightened security at Jewish events, particularly as Hanukkah celebrations continue over the coming days.

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said some of his own family members and close friends were among those killed. He described the attack as an attempt to massacre families gathered in peace, including children.

In the UK, Jewish organizations have urged the government and police to ensure strong protection for public Hanukkah events, warning that hatred must not be allowed to overshadow the Festival of Light.

Global Condemnation

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as “an act of evil antisemitism” and a terrorist attack that struck at the heart of the nation. International leaders, including the UK Prime Minister, the French President, the Israeli President, and the UN Secretary-General, echoed this condemnation, expressing solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.

As investigations continue, the tragedy at Bondi Beach stands as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitic violence and the urgent need to protect communities gathering in peace.