Alexandar Sullivan:
At least 11 people were killed and 29 others injured on Sunday evening when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic public spaces, in an attack authorities declared an act of terrorism and antisemitism.
The shooting unfolded around 6:45 p.m. along Campbell Parade, where hundreds had gathered for the annual Chanukah by the Sea event marking the start of the eight-day Jewish holiday. New South Wales Police said one attacker was fatally shot by officers at the scene, while a second suspect was arrested and remains in critical condition. Investigators later recovered improvised explosive devices from a vehicle linked to the suspects.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” said Premier Chris Minns, calling it a deliberate act of hatred. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the massacre as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
Among the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event, who previously served the Jewish community in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Community leaders also confirmed that a 12-year-old girl was among those killed, deepening the tragedy for families and mourners.
Witnesses described chaos as gunfire echoed across the beach. “Everyone just dropped everything and ran,” said Lachlan Moran, who was nearby. “People were crying. It was horrible.”
The attack drew condemnation from world leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while Israeli officials urged Australia to confront what they describe as a growing wave of antisemitism.
New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani also responded, calling the shooting “a vile act of antisemitic terror.” In a statement, he mourned the victims and noted Rabbi Schlanger’s deep ties to Crown Heights, adding, “Too many no longer feel safe to express their faith publicly.” Mamdani praised the bravery of a local man who helped disarm one of the attackers and pledged to work to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.
Mass shootings are rare in Australia, where strict gun laws have been in place since 1996. Sunday’s attack was the country’s deadliest in nearly three decades, leaving a shaken nation mourning lives lost during what should have been a night of faith and celebration.
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