At least 12 people, including a gunman, have died following a tragic shooting during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, Sydney. This incident, which occurred on December 14, left another 29 individuals hospitalized.
The shooting began around 6:45 p.m. when emergency services responded to reports of gunfire at the popular beach. Authorities confirmed that alongside the deceased gunman, a second gunman is critically injured, and two police officers sustained injuries as well. Crowds had gathered at the beach for “Chanukah by the Sea,” a communal celebration to mark the start of Hanukkah.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the shooting as a “targeted attack against Jewish Australians” and described it as a terrorist act. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, he emphasized that an attack on any community is an attack on all Australians.
Chabad, a prominent Orthodox Jewish organization, identified one of the deceased as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the assistant rabbi and a key organizer of the event. Eyewitness footage showed scenes of chaos, with some capturing a civilian bravely confronting one of the gunmen.
Mass shootings are exceptionally rare in Australia due to strict gun control laws implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, where a gunman killed 35 people. The country has not witnessed a deadly mass shooting since 2022, further underscoring the rarity of such events.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted sharply, blaming Australia’s leadership for allowing antisemitism to flourish during the Gaza conflict. He claimed that Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state in September contributed to rising tensions.
Recent data shows a troubling uptick in antisemitic incidents in Australia, including acts of vandalism and arson. In August, Prime Minister Albanese denounced Iran for two such attacks, representing a significant moment in diplomatic relations.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres called the shooting a “heinous attack,” and Israeli President Isaac Herzog reiterated the need for Australia to take serious measures against rising antisemitism.
This incident marks a significant moment not only for the Jewish community in Australia but also raises broader questions about safety, community support, and the ongoing fight against hate. As reactions unfold, it underscores the importance of unity against violence and prejudice in all its forms.
For more details, you can read the latest updates from the New South Wales police here.
