Sydney, December 15, 2025 – A father-and-son duo carried out a targeted terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, 2025, killing 16 people—including a 10-year-old child and victims up to age 87—and injuring dozens more. Australian authorities have declared the incident an act of antisemitic terrorism, marking it as the nation's deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre and the most lethal terrorist event in its history.
The attack occurred around 6:45 p.m. local time during the "Chanukah by the Sea" event organized by Chabad of Bondi, which drew over 1,000 attendees to Archer Park near the beach for the first night of Hanukkah. Witnesses described chaos as two gunmen, armed with long guns, emerged from a silver hatchback on Campbell Parade and fired approximately 50 shots over 10 minutes from a pedestrian footbridge and into the crowd of families.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed at a press conference that the 15 civilian victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, with the total death toll rising to 16 including one gunman killed by police. Minns noted that 42 people remained hospitalized as of Monday, including two wounded police officers. "This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney," Minns said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as "an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores." Speaking alongside Minns, Albanese emphasized that it was "deliberately targeted at the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah," describing it as "a dark day in our nation’s history." He vowed national unity and pledged to eradicate antisemitism, convening the National Security Committee in response.
The suspects have been identified as Sajid Akram, 50, who was fatally shot by police at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, who was critically injured, arrested, and remains under guard in hospital. Police expect to charge Naveed Akram. The pair reportedly told family they were going on a fishing trip before the attack. Authorities found IS flags in their vehicle and improvised explosive devices nearby, neutralized by the bomb squad. Naveed Akram had prior scrutiny by ASIO in 2019 over ties to an Islamic State cell, though no action was taken then.
A heroic bystander, 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, disarmed one gunman in viral footage, wrestling away a rifle despite being shot multiple times. Minns hailed him as a "genuine hero" whose bravery "saved countless lives."
Victims include Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a long-serving Chabad emissary and event organizer; Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman; and others from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the community's inclusivity. Chabad confirmed several deaths, including international attendees.
The attack follows a surge in antisemitic incidents in Australia since October 2023, amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. Jewish leaders noted heightened security concerns in Bondi, a hub for Sydney's Jewish population.
World leaders reacted swiftly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Australian policies for fueling antisemitism, while US President Donald Trump and others offered condolences. The UN Secretary-General condemned the "heinous" act.
Australia plans tougher gun laws, with Albanese and Minns announcing reforms. Flags fly at half-mast, and memorials grow at Bondi Pavilion.
The incident underscores rising global antisemitism and challenges for multicultural societies. Investigations continue, with no evidence of a broader cell.
