During a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, two gunmen opened fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of 15 individuals, including a child, as confirmed by officials on Monday. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an act of antisemitic terrorism that deeply impacted the nation.
This attack, which took place at one of Australia’s renowned beaches, occurred amidst a series of antisemitic assaults that have unsettled the country over the past year. Authorities did not suggest a direct connection between these incidents and the shooting on Sunday. Notably, this shooting marks the deadliest in almost 30 years in a country with stringent gun control measures.
Following the incident, one of the gunmen, a 50-year-old man, was fatally shot by the police, while the other shooter, his 24-year-old son, sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment in a hospital, according to Mal Lanyon, the New South Wales police commissioner.
Although one of the gunmen was known to security services, Lanyon stated that there were no prior indications of a planned attack by the authorities. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old, as revealed by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who also mentioned that at least 38 others were injured in the tragic event.
Prime Minister Albanese condemned the attack, labeling it as an act of “pure evil” and emphasized its antisemitic and terrorist nature. He expressed how the tragic incident has forever tainted the well-known Australian location of Bondi Beach, typically associated with joyous gatherings and celebrations.
A thorough investigation was promised by the police, with Lanyon confirming that no additional suspects were being sought in connection with the massacre.
Jewish community targeted, officials say
The violence erupted towards the end of a summer day at Bondi Beach, where thousands had gathered, including hundreds attending the Chanukah by the Sea event to mark the beginning of the Hanukkah festival.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and an event organizer, was identified by Chabad as one of the deceased.
Riley Stranaghan, a Canadian residing at a hostel near Bondi Beach, recounted hearing the gunshots with a friend, prompting them to flee the scene.
Stranaghan shared his experience of seeking refuge in a stranger’s apartment for safety amid the chaos and panic that ensued post-shooting.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his horror over the antisemitic attack in a statement, standing in solidarity with Australia and the global Jewish community against terrorism and hatred.
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