A peaceful evening of Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach in Sydney descended into tragedy on Sunday, as two heavily armed men opened fire on a gathering of families and friends.
Twelve people were killed, including a rabbi and a husband who heroically shielded his wife from the attackers.
At least 18 others, among them a ten-year-old girl fighting for her life, were rushed to hospitals across the city.
The Attackers and Immediate Response
Police confirmed that one of the gunmen was killed at the scene while the other was shot and taken into custody.
Emergency services are providing care to the surviving suspect.
Authorities have described the incident as an act of terrorism, marking it as one of the deadliest attacks on Australian soil in decades.
Rabbi and Community Figures Among the Fallen
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a central organizer of the Hanukkah by the Sea event, was killed in the attack.
Israeli politician Aryeh Deri likened the tragedy to the October 7 massacre, expressing profound shock at the targeting of Jews celebrating their faith.
Another victim, Alex Kleytman, died while shielding his wife of fifty years, Larisa, who described how he raised himself to protect her.
Witness Accounts Paint a Scene of Chaos
Multiple witnesses described horror on the crowded beach.
Around 6:40 p.m., the attackers reportedly stepped out of a vehicle near Bondi Pavilion and opened fire.
Footage shows rapid gunfire and spent magazines scattered across the sand.
Some witnesses reported seeing more than 30 shots fired.
A suspected improvised explosive device is also being examined by police.
Tim Hamilton, a local bystander, described seeing people dive behind walls or flee into the ocean.
Heather Nolan, dining nearby, initially thought the gunfire was firecrackers before realizing the terrifying truth.
Families and tourists scrambled for safety, many separated from loved ones in the chaos.
Survivors and Heroes in the Face of Violence
Some survivors displayed remarkable courage amid the bloodshed.
Arsen Ostrovsky, a former resident of Israel and head of the Australia Israel Jewish Affairs Council, was injured but survived, recalling scenes reminiscent of the October 7 Hamas attack.
Video footage also captured a heroic man wrestling one of the attackers to the ground, preventing further bloodshed.
International Reactions and Condemnations
Global Jewish leaders responded with sorrow and calls for prayer.
UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis urged prayers for the injured, while the Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed solidarity with the Australian Jewish community.
Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Heskel criticized the Australian government for not taking stronger measures against rising antisemitism.
Rising Anger Over Antisemitism in Australia
Amid the grief, Australian Jews voiced frustration at authorities for failing to address escalating antisemitic sentiment.
Dionne Taylor of AIJAC highlighted repeated warnings given to the government, noting prior graffiti, arson, and verbal attacks aimed at Jewish communities.
Many see the Bondi Beach massacre as a horrifying consequence of unchecked hatred.
Prime Minister Responds
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “shocking and distressing” and extended his thoughts to all affected.
Yet community leaders insist that words are no longer enough, emphasizing the urgent need for concrete action to combat antisemitism before more lives are lost.
A Community in Mourning
Bondi Beach, usually a symbol of relaxation and summer joy, now stands as a site of grief and reflection.
Survivors and families of the victims face a long road to recovery, and Australia grapples with the stark reality that such violence has reached one of its most iconic public spaces.
What’s Next
Authorities continue their investigation, examining every aspect of the attack and potential links to broader extremist networks.
Meanwhile, survivors and communities worldwide are calling for stronger measures to prevent such atrocities and ensure the safety of Jewish Australians and all citizens.
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