Terror Attack at Sydney Hanukkah Celebration Leaves 12 Dead, Dozens Injured

A mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday evening left 12 people dead and 29 others hospitalized, according to authorities.

The annual event, “Chanukah By The Sea,” had begun at 5 p.m. with the lighting of the first candle on the Menorah. Police say the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community and is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

The New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) reported that officers responded to gunfire around 6:45 p.m. Two gunmen were involved, with one killed at the scene and the other critically wounded. Investigators are also probing the possibility of a third suspect.

Among the injured were two police officers, officials confirmed. Authorities described the incident as the worst attack against Jews since the Hamas terror assault of October 7, 2023. Police also discovered multiple improvised explosive devices inside a vehicle near the site, prompting bomb disposal units to secure the area.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack while speaking in Jerusalem on Sunday.

“At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach,” Herzog said. “Our hearts go out to them… we pray for the recovery of the wounded and for those who lost their lives.”

 

Herzog urged the Australian government to take stronger action against what he described as a growing wave of antisemitism in the country.