Chaos broke out at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon, when two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered for a Hanukkah event near the Bondi Pavilion. The attack, which occurred during a family-friendly Jewish community celebration, left at least 10 people dead, including one of the attackers, and 12 to 18 others injured. Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunshots rang out and beachgoers evacuated amid screams and sirens.
Gunmen dressed in black open fire on beachgoers
NSW Police said the black-clad gunmen targeted the packed rally, firing dozens of shots from nearby bridges and vehicles. As recorded in a circulating video, one of the gunmen died in a confrontation with police, while the other was subdued and arrested, presumably with the help of a heroic bystander who disarmed him. “I saw at least 10 people on the ground, blood everywhere,” witness Harry Wilson said in a statement to CNN. Paramedics arrived quickly, performed CPR on the injured and took them to hospital, but some remain in critical condition.
Family-friendly Hanukkah festival targeted
The incident raised immediate concerns about anti-Semitism, given that it occurred during the annual Hanukkah festival. Australian Jewish Executive Council co-chief executive Alex Rivchin said if this was confirmed to be a targeted attack on the Jewish community, “our worst fears could come true”. Reports such as Haaretz have noted a spike in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia since October 2023, raising speculation about motives, although authorities have yet to confirm a link. Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Antony Albanese described the events as “shocking and tragic” and called for calm while praising the swift action of police.
footage of horrific atrocities
Footage shared on social media platforms including X and Reddit showed the harrowing moments, including crowds dispersing, bystanders tackling the gunman and police securing the scene. One of the videos from 10 News depicts a frantic rescue effort as police officers jump in to help the injured. The beach, a popular tourist spot, was closed as part of an ongoing operation and police advised the public to avoid the area.
Anti-Semitic violence continues to rise
The tragedy marks an extremely rare mass shooting in Australia, where strict gun laws were enacted in the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that left 35 people dead. Comparisons are inevitable, highlighting the effectiveness of these reforms but also highlighting their vulnerabilities in the public sphere. Sydney’s Jewish community, already at risk amid global tensions, is facing new fears, with community leaders calling for increased security.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the shooter’s identity and weapon. NSW Police have one suspect in custody and are investigating possible accomplices and possible radicalization. The attack drew international condemnation and an outpouring of messages of solidarity. Bondi Beach, a symbol of Australia’s laid-back lifestyle, now bears the scars of violence and is prompting national reflection on hate crime and public safety.
