A shocking act of gun violence occurred on Sunday evening (local time) at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, where two gunmen opened fire on a crowd attending the annual ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ event organized by Chabad of Bondi, celebrating the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights.
New South Wales (NSW) Police confirmed that nine victims were killed in the attack, and a further eleven people were injured and rushed to local hospitals. One of the gunmen was fatally shot by police, while the second alleged shooter was arrested and is reported to be in critical condition.
A tragic loss for the community confirmed to be among the victims is Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a dedicated Chabad emissary in the city.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his shock, calling the scenes in Bondi “shocking and distressing” and confirming he is working closely with the NSW Premier and police commissioner as the investigation unfolds.
Israeli Leaders Link Attack to Rising Antisemitism
The attack drew immediate and intense condemnation from Israel, with leaders framing it as a direct consequence of rising antisemitism in Australia.
President Isaac Herzog called the attack “vile” while speaking at a ceremony in Jerusalem, expressing profound grief:
“At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach. Our hearts go out to them.”
Israel’s Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, issued a stern warning to the Australian government:
“A government that normalized boycotts against Jews… normalized marches in which flags of Al-Qaeda, the PLO, and Hamas were openly displayed, and for two years failed to act decisively against serious antisemitic incidents, bears full responsibility for the horrific scenes we witnessed today.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed the sentiment, tweeting that the “murderous” attack was the result of “anti-Semitic rampage” in the streets of Australia, and urged the government, which “received countless warning signs, must come to its senses.”
Both the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism and the Israeli Foreign Ministry have offered their full support and assistance to the Jewish community in Sydney during this tragic time.