On December 14, 2025, two gunmen—a father and son—opened fire on a crowded Hanukkah celebration called “Chanukah by the Sea” at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The event, hosted by Chabad of Bondi near a playground in Archer Park, drew around 1,000 attendees to mark the first day of Hanukkah.
Reports confirm at least 15 people were killed (with some sources citing 15-16 civilian deaths, plus one gunman killed by police), and dozens more injured (estimates range from 30-42, including children and police officers). Among the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an organizer of the event.
The attackers fired from a footbridge overlooking the crowd using long guns. One gunman was shot dead by police, while the other was injured and taken into custody. A bystander, identified as Ahmed al-Ahmed, heroically disarmed one attacker. Police also neutralized potential improvised explosive devices found in a vehicle linked to the suspects.
Australian authorities, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Police, declared the incident a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community, describing it as an act of antisemitism. It marks Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre and has prompted global condemnation, increased security at Jewish sites worldwide, and discussions on gun law reforms.
The scene remained cordoned off as investigations continued into the motives and any potential accomplices.