Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney as an “act of evil anti‑Semitism,” pledging a decisive response. The attack, which took place on the first day of Hanukkah, left at least 12 people dead and more than two dozen injured. Two gunmen targeted the “Hanukkah by the Sea” celebration; one was killed in a subsequent firefight with police, while the other was taken into custody in critical condition. Authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist act.
Investigators also discovered several suspicious devices, believed to be improvised explosives, in a car linked to the attackers near the beach. Prime Minister Albanese denounced the assault, vowing to eradicate “hate, violence, and terrorism” in Australia. He described the shooting as a “targeted attack on Jewish Australians” and an “act of evil anti‑Semitism” that struck at the heart of the nation.
During the attack, a 43‑year‑old fruit‑shop owner and member of the local Muslim community attempted to intervene. Video footage shows him wrestling a firearm from one of the gunmen before being shot at least twice while trying to flee. He is receiving treatment for non‑life‑threatening injuries.
Among the victims was Eli Schlanger, the assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi and one of the event’s organizers. Schlanger, a strong supporter of Israel, had recently traveled to the region to meet with Israeli troops. Several other Chabad emissaries were also injured, according to a spokesperson for Chabad Israel. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting widespread condemnation as a senseless act of violence.
The Australian government has pledged decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the motivations behind the attack and to bring those responsible to justice.
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