11 Killed as Antisemitic Shooting Rocks Hanukkah Event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
New South Wales Police say at least 11 people were killed and 29 others injured, including a child, after a gun attack at that authorities believe targeted the Jewish community.
According to , the shooting occurred during a beachside gathering attended by more than 1,000 people to mark the beginning of Hanukkah. Emergency services rushed dozens of victims to hospital as the area was locked down.
Investigators said several improvised explosive devices were later found and removed from a nearby vehicle linked to the deceased attacker. One gunman was shot dead at the scene, while a second suspect remains in critical condition.
Mass shootings are extremely rare in Australia, making the incident all the more shocking, New South Wales Premier said. Prime Minister condemned the violence as “an act of evil antisemitism” and described it as terrorism that has struck at the heart of the nation.
An eyewitness who spoke to the BBC said he fled the scene with his children when the shooting began, as panic spread through the crowd. The attack has deeply unsettled residents in Sydney, a city widely regarded as safe, particularly Bondi, which is popular with both locals and tourists.
The tragedy comes less than two years after another nearby incident, when was rocked by a mass stabbing at a shopping centre. Once again, many residents expressed disbelief, saying such violence is almost unheard of in the area.
King said he and Queen were “appalled and saddened” by what he called a “dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack,” praising emergency responders and members of the public whose actions helped prevent further loss of life. The Prince and Princess of Wales also sent condolences to the victims’ families and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.
Reports citing the confirmed that an Israeli citizen was among those killed. In response, police in the UK said they are increasing patrols around Jewish sites. The acknowledged heightened concerns among Jewish communities, while said it is liaising closely with faith leaders and stepping up security around synagogues.
As Hanukkah begins, the has urged authorities to ensure Jewish events can proceed safely, stressing that hatred must not be allowed to overshadow the festival of light.