At least 12 dead in shooting attack at Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia
One of the attackers believed to be among those killed, after being shot by police
New South Wales police responded to a shooting during a Hanukkah celebration Bondi Beach on Sunday evening (Australia time), in which 12 people have so far been confirmed dead.
The number of injured is not yet known, with media estimates placing the figure at around 60. NSW Police urged the public to stay away from Bondi Beach until the situation is brought under control.
Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are urging the public to avoid the area.
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) December 14, 2025
Anyone at the scene should take shelter.
Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand. pic.twitter.com/0oNDxplNzx
At least two gunmen are said to be in police custody, however, reports indicate that one of the 12 people killed in the attack may have been a shooter, as reports from bystanders and videos on social media appear to show at least three men involved in the shooting. Police called on anyone with video or images from the time of the shooting to contact the NSW police to aid in their investigation.
An ongoing nightmare is unfolding in Bondi Beach, Sydney, an area known for its rich Jewish community.
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) December 14, 2025
Two shooters opened fire on a Jewish crowd celebrating Hanukkah. Several casualties have been reported. Around 2,000 people are currently on the scene, running for their lives.… pic.twitter.com/vuZSYgAerg
many to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at an event that had been advertised in advance. Among those killed was Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger, whose organization was hosting the event.
BREAKING: Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary, was murdered in a terror attack at Bondi Beach while celebrating Hanukkah.
— Yossi BenYakar (@YossiBenYakar) December 14, 2025
Just yesterday, he posted an invitation on social media, warmly welcoming everyone to come celebrate with him. This is heartbreaking. A life of kindness… pic.twitter.com/QBf8zfAm0b
The attacks began around 6:40 p.m. on Sunday, when several adult men with rifles began shooting at people at the beachfront. Several people were killed before police and first responders arrived at the scene [Warning, link contains graphic footage].
At least one of the shooters was apparently disarmed by a local, who approached him from behind, struggling with the shooter for the weapon before finally wresting it away.
BREAKING - Shocking footage.
— ConservativeAussie (@ConservativeeAu) December 14, 2025
Aussie hero has potentially saved multiple lives. #bondi #shooting pic.twitter.com/b3EPqJ77n6
The prime minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, released a statement shortly after the attacks, but made no mention of the Hanukkah celebration or that many of those targeted in the shooting were Jewish.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 14, 2025
Sussan Ley, the leader of the Australian opposition, released a statement following the shooting, saying, “Australians are in deep mourning tonight, with hateful violence, striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well in love, Bondi.”
“This attack occurred as our Jewish community came together at the ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ celebration. This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate,” she continued. “My heart is with Australia's Jewish community tonight, particularly those in the eastern suburbs of Sydney – people I know well.”
After news of the shooting broke, Knesset National Security Committee Chairman MK Zvika Fogel (Jewish Power party) paused the meeting to call his son, who was at the Chabad celebration. A video posted on social media by Channel 7 journalist Hezki Barch showed Fogel anxiously calling his son, who was attending the event with his family.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog released a statement following the shooting, offering condolences to the victims, criticizing the Australian government for failing to heed warnings from the Israeli government about rising levels of antisemitism in the country.
“Our hearts go out to our Jewish sisters and brothers in Sydney who have been attacked by vile terrorists as they went to light the first candle of Chanukah,” Herzog said. “I just spoke to David Ossip, the President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, who was speaking at the event as the shooting attack began. I conveyed on behalf of the entire nation of Israel our condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the wounded.”
“Time and again we called on the Australian government to take action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism that is plaguing Australian society. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community of Sydney and the entire Australian Jewish community at this horrific time.”
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
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