Shooting during Hanukkah celebration in Sydney: injuries on Bondi Beach

Attack during a Hanukkah celebration

A shooting erupted at the Bondi Pavilion, where the local Jewish community was holding a public Hanukkah celebration in the evening. Several people present were injured, but authorities have not yet officially confirmed the exact number or severity of the injuries. Unofficial figures speak of up to 26 dead. 

Witnesses described chaos and panic as people tried to flee the venue toward the beach and surrounding streets. According to eyewitnesses, two attackers in black clothing were moving in the area and were said to have fired near the beach.

Police response and public appeals

New South Wales police described the incident as ongoing and dispatched numerous public order units and emergency services to the scene. The area around Bondi Pavilion was cordoned off; ambulances were on site and police searched the area. According to videos from the scene, the perpetrators appear to have been apprehended. 

Authorities urged residents and tourists to avoid the Bondi area, stay safe and follow the instructions of security services. People in the immediate vicinity were urged to shelter inside buildings and not go outside until the situation was under control.

Concerns over rising antisemitism

Representatives of Jewish organizations, in response to the attack, point to a disturbing increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide since the start of the war in the Middle East. According to them, attacks increasingly target Jewish communities and religious events, which have become an easy and symbolically visible target.

There are calls for Australian authorities to take decisive measures against hate-motivated acts and to strengthen protection for Jewish institutions and gatherings. Community leaders also emphasize that the Hanukkah festival is a symbol of the victory of light over darkness and that such attacks will not dampen their determination.