Bondi Beach Terror Attack: 16 Dead, Dozens Injured in Hanukkah Celebration Shooting

Tragedy Strikes Hanukkah Celebration at Bondi Beach

Sydney, Australia – A horrific mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of 16 people and left 42 injured. Australian authorities have swiftly declared the incident a terrorist attack, describing it as a targeted act of antisemitism against the Jewish community. The attack, which unfolded around 6:45 PM AEDT at Archer Park during the 'Chanukah by the Sea' event, has sent shockwaves across the nation and the world.

Details of the Attack and Perpetrators

The assault was carried out by two gunmen, identified by police as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son, Naveed Akram, 24. The father was fatally shot by police at the scene, while the son was arrested and remains in critical condition. The attackers, described as Muslim men of Pakistani and Lebanese origin, used long guns during the rampage. Investigators also discovered improvised explosive devices in a car linked to the deceased shooter. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon officially declared the shooting a 'terrorist incident,' a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who condemned it as 'an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores.'

Victims and Community Impact

The victims of the attack ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old. Among those tragically killed were Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a key organizer of the Hanukkah event, Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, French national Daniel Elkayam, community member Reuven Morrison, a 10-year-old girl, and an Israeli citizen. The event, an annual tradition hosted by Chabad of Bondi, was attended by hundreds, if not thousands, of people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. The attack has been described as the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in 30 years and the deadliest terror incident in Australian history.

Official Response and Heroism

Emergency services, including the New South Wales Police Force, responded rapidly to the scene. Amidst the chaos, a civilian bystander was hailed as a hero for tackling and disarming one of the gunmen, an act commended by officials. International leaders, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, also extended their condolences and praised the bravery of those who responded. The incident has brought renewed focus on the rising tide of antisemitism in Australia, with Prime Minister Albanese emphasizing that 'an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.'