There was a major terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney today targeting a Jewish Hanukkah event, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries. Authorities are treating it as an antisemitic terror incident and a large police operation is ongoing.
Bondi Beach attack
Gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing at least 11–12 people and injuring dozens, including police officers, according to multiple official briefings and news reports. One suspected attacker was killed at the scene, while at least one other suspect is in custody or in critical condition after being wounded.
Police have declared the shooting a terrorist incident and say it specifically targeted the Jewish community gathering for the first night of Hanukkah. An exclusion zone has been set up around a vehicle where improvised explosive devices were reportedly found and neutralized by bomb disposal teams.
Government and community response
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have condemned the shooting as a deliberate, antisemitic attack on Jewish Australians and on the broader Australian community. They have offered condolences to victims’ families and praised police and bystanders whose actions may have prevented even greater casualties.
International figures, including King Charles and members of the British royal family, have expressed shock and solidarity with Australians and the Jewish community following the attack. Jewish community leaders in Australia describe deep grief and disbelief that a joyful public celebration was targeted in this way.