TERROR AT BONDI BEACH: Mass Shooting During Hanukkah Celebration -

TERROR AT BONDI BEACH: Mass Shooting During Hanukkah Celebration

At Least 11 Dead, Dozens Wounded in Targeted Attack in Sydney, Australia

Sydney, 14 December 2025 — A deadly mass shooting struck Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach tonight, leaving at least 11 people dead and dozens more injured after gunmen opened fire on crowds celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The attack — being treated by Australian authorities as a terrorist act with antisemitic motives — shocked Australia and drew swift global condemnation.

Chaos at Chanukah by the Sea

The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. local time near Campbell Parade, a popular promenade along Bondi Beach, where hundreds had gathered for “Chanukah by the Sea,” a community event organised by Chabad of Bondi.

Witnesses described sudden, rapid gunfire and panic as festival-goers tried to flee or take cover. One bystander was captured on video tackling and disarming one of the shooters, a heroic act that likely saved lives, according to preliminary broadcast reports.

Confirmed Casualties and Response

Police and medical authorities have confirmed at least 11 fatalities — including one of the attackers — and 29 injured, among them two police officers who rushed to assist victims.
Emergency services deployed more than 40 ambulances, helicopters, and specialised units to treat and transport victims to hospitals across Sydney.
NSW Police say one gunman was shot dead at the scene, while a second was critically wounded and taken into custody; investigations continue into whether additional accomplices were involved.
Bomb-disposal teams have been dispatched after authorities reported suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the attackers’ vehicle.

Official Reactions and Investigation

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the attack as “evil beyond comprehension,” while New South Wales Premier Chris Minns characterised it as an antisemitic terrorist assault against the Jewish community.

Global leaders joined in condemning the violence. The President of Israel called the shooting a “cruel attack against Jews,” and other international figures expressed solidarity with victims and vigils have been announced worldwide.

Police urge residents to avoid the Bondi area, saying the situation remains serious and that investigations are ongoing. Authorities have appealed to anyone with information or footage from the scene to come forward.

Community and Global Impact

The attack has been described by Jewish community leaders in Sydney as a deliberate and targeted assault timed to inflict maximum harm during a major cultural and religious festival. A spokesperson for Jewish organisations noted deep pain and fear among those gathered when the shooting began.

SUMMARY OF CONFIRMED FACTS