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Sydney, December 15, 2025 – Australia is reeling from its deadliest terrorist attack and mass shooting in decades after a father-and-son duo targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, December 14, killing 16 people—including a 10-year-old child and victims up to age 87—and injuring dozens more. Authorities have classified the incident as an act of antisemitic terrorism, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as "an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores."
The attack unfolded during the "Chanukah by the Sea" event organized by Chabad of Bondi, drawing hundreds of families to Archer Park for the first night of Hanukkah with food, face painting, music, and a petting zoo. Around 6:45 p.m., Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly emerged from a vehicle on Campbell Parade, firing approximately 50 shots over 10 minutes from a footbridge into the crowd. Sajid was fatally shot by police at the scene, while Naveed was critically injured, arrested, and remains hospitalized under guard.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the civilian victims ranged from 10 to 87 years old, with 42 people still hospitalized on Monday, including two police officers. Identities emerged through media reports, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key event organizer; French citizen Dan Elkayam; Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman; and an unnamed Israeli citizen confirmed by Israel's Foreign Ministry.
Albanese revealed that Australia's domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, investigated Naveed Akram for six months in 2019 over ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State cell. "He was examined on the basis of being associated with others and the assessment was made that there was no indication of any ongoing threat or threat of him engaging in violence," Albanese said. No formal charges stemmed from that probe.
Investigators found Islamic State flags in the attackers' vehicle and neutralized improvised explosive devices nearby. Police believe the pair pledged allegiance to IS, though no broader cell involvement has been identified.
A heroic bystander, 42-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, disarmed one gunman in footage that went viral, wrestling away a rifle despite being shot. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke praised him as a "genuine hero" who saved lives.
The violence erupted on a warm summer evening when thousands flocked to Bondi, an iconic beach symbolizing Australian lifestyle. On Monday, hundreds laid flowers at growing memorials near the scene.
Australia's Jewish community, about 117,000 strong with 85% in Sydney and Melbourne, has faced surging antisemitism since October 2023 amid the Israel-Gaza war, including synagogue arson, graffiti, and assaults. The government appointed a special envoy, toughened laws, and boosted security for Jewish sites.
Albanese vowed national unity: "There is no place in Australia for antisemitism," promising to eradicate it. He rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood fueled the attack. No evidence links Iran, blamed for prior incidents.
The attack surpasses recent mass shootings, prompting calls for gun law reforms. Sajid held a firearms license with six weapons.
Global leaders condemned the "heinous" act, with flags at half-mast and enhanced security for Jewish communities worldwide.
As investigations continue, Australia confronts rising hate in its multicultural society, uniting in grief while honoring victims' memories.
