SYDNEY, Australia — The nation is in mourning after a violent attack disrupted a Hanukkah celebration near the coast, leaving at least 15 people dead.
The attack happened on Sunday evening, December 14, 2025, during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event at Archer Park. Families and worshippers had gathered when two gunmen opened fire.
Authorities confirmed that about 40 people sustained injuries. Many remain in critical condition. Security agencies have classified the incident as a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.
INSIDE LIFE: MAN Rapes 7-Year-Old Girl In Ekiti, Blames Devil For His Action
Gunmen Open Fire at people in Australia Bondi Beach
The shooting began shortly before 6:50 p.m. on the first night of Hanukkah.
Witnesses reported sudden gunfire and mass panic across the park. Police said the attackers fired from a footbridge overlooking the venue.
Security forces responded within minutes. Officers shot one attacker dead at the scene. They arrested the second suspect after he sustained critical injuries.
Civilian Hero Helps Stop Bondi Beach Attack
Police praised a civilian, Ahmed al-Ahmed, for confronting one of the gunmen.
Witnesses said he tackled the attacker and disarmed him during the chaos. Officials believe his actions prevented more deaths.
Al-Ahmed suffered gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized.
Victims Include Child and Holocaust Survivor
The victims ranged across generations. They included an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor and a 10-year-old girl.
Several rabbis and community leaders also lost their lives.
Investigators identified the suspects as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, both Sydney residents.
Police found ISIS-linked materials inside their vehicle. Authorities described the attack as Islamic State-inspired extremism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence and called it “pure evil.”
Australia Mourns as Security Questions Rise
The attack has shocked Australia, a nation with strict gun laws.
The scale of the violence has renewed debate about counter-terrorism and public safety.
Mourners gathered near Bondi Pavilion to leave flowers and messages of solidarity.
Jewish leaders have called for stronger security measures nationwide.
The Australian Bondi Beach shootings now ranks among the deadliest terror incidents in modern Australian history.
Leave a Reply