Published: 20 December 2025
Australia is mourning after a terrorist mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach left 16 people dead, including one of the attackers, and around 40 injured, in one of the deadliest acts of violence in the nation’s modern history.
Police say the attack, which targeted a large public Hanukkah event attended by about 1,000 people, was antisemitic and inspired by Islamic State ideology. Authorities described it as a deliberate attempt to cause mass casualties and terror.
A Targeted Attack at a Jewish Community Event
The event, “Chanukah by the Sea”, organised by Chabad, was held at Archer Park near the Bondi Pavilion, a long-established hub for Sydney’s Jewish community.
Shortly before 7pm, two gunmen — later identified as a father and son — opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the gathering. NSW Police confirmed 83 rounds were fired by the attackers, with officers discharging about 20 rounds while moving to stop the assault.
Police Response and Immediate Aftermath
NSW Police fatally shot the father at the scene. The son was critically wounded, arrested, and remains under guard in hospital. The incident was formally declared a terrorist act, triggering Operation Arques, a joint counter-terrorism investigation involving state and federal agencies.
Bondi lifeguards and civilians provided first aid under fire, using surfboards as improvised stretchers and sheltering hundreds of people behind buildings near the beach.
Acts of Extraordinary Bravery
Authorities confirmed several acts of heroism that likely saved lives:
- Boris and Sofia Gutman, who disarmed an attacker before being killed
- Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim shop owner who tackled a gunman despite being wounded
- Reuven Morrison, who charged an attacker to protect others
- Bondi lifeguards, who evacuated and protected about 250 people
Victims and National Impact
Fifteen victims aged 10 to 87 have been named. They include rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, volunteers, parents, children and local residents.
The shooting is now regarded as the second-deadliest mass shooting in modern Australian history, behind only the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Background: Rising Threat Environment
The attack follows a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.
In August 2024, ASIO raised Australia’s terrorism threat level to “probable”, citing lone-actor radicalisation risks.
Despite strict gun laws introduced after Port Arthur, NSW firearms licences increased to about 260,000 in 2025, up from 181,000 in 2001.
The Accused and Ongoing Investigation
Police allege the attackers pledged allegiance to Islamic State. Homemade IS flags and improvised explosive devices were found in their vehicle.
The suspects’ recent travel to the Philippines, including time in Mindanao, is under investigation. Authorities caution there is no confirmed evidence of formal militant training at this stage.
Criminal Proceedings
The surviving son has been charged with 59 offences, including terrorism and murder charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8 April 2026.
Aftermath and Government Response
Security has been heightened at Jewish schools, synagogues and community centres nationwide. Blood donation agencies reported more than 50,000 volunteers responding in the days after the attack.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, state leaders, and King Charles III condemned the violence. The National Cabinet is considering stricter gun laws, while NSW has announced plans for new hate-speech legislation.
Misinformation Warnings
Police and community leaders urged caution amid widespread online misinformation, including false claims about bystanders’ identities and origins. A Pakistani Australian man was reportedly harassed due to mistaken identity.
International Condemnation
Governments including New Zealand, India, the UK, the US, France, Israel, and several Arab states condemned the attack. Islamic State praised the violence through affiliated channels but did not formally claim responsibility.
