Australian city Sydney was shaken on Sunday by a violent mass shooting, involving two gunmen, at the city’s iconic Bondi Beach, leaving multiple people dead and others injured during a Chanukah celebration. The attack prompted condemnation from national leaders, community groups, and international figures as authorities work to investigate.
9 killed, several others injured
Nine people were killed after gunmen opened fired at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, according to police’s statement to AFP. Additionally, Australia’s national broadcaster ABC reported that one of the attackers was also killed, and at least 11 others were injured.
2 gunmen involved
Two gunmen were involved in the shooting, leaving nine people dead, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Police shot and killed one of the attackers. The other was arrested.One bystander emerged as a hero amid the chaos, confronting the armed gunman. A video captured the tense moment: as gunshots rang out and panicked crowds scattered, the man used parked cars for cover, closed in on the shooter, and tackled him in a daring attempt to wrestle the rifle away. His intervention briefly disarmed the attacker, providing a critical window for others to escape and for police to respond.Read more: Bystander tackles gunman at Bondi Beach; heroic act caught on camera
‘Shocking & distressing’: Australian PM Anthony Albanese
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed shock after the incident offering prayers and assistance. “The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said. “I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and with the NSW Premier. We are working with the NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police,” he added.
Israel calls the attack ‘vile’
Israeli leaders strongly condemned a terrorist attack on a Chanukah celebration in Sydney.Speaking at a ceremony honoring immigrant contributions to Israel, President Isaac Herzog called the attack “vile”. He said, “At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach. Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment. As we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives. We send our warmest strength from Jerusalem.”Herzog also urged the Australian government to take action against rising antisemitism, warning of “the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the attack as “murderous” and linked it to years of antisemitic incitement in Australia. He tweeted, “These are the results of the anti-Semitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the anti-Semitic and inciting calls of ‘Globalise the Intifada’ that were realized today.” He added that the Australian government, “which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses.,Energy Minister Eli Cohen extended condolences and emphasized the need to fight antisemitism worldwide. “We stand with the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia, in its difficult times, sending condolences to the murdered and praying for the recovery of the wounded,” Cohen said. “Sadly, antisemitism in the world is raising its head, gaining backing from weak leaders who succumb to terror and collaborate with false campaigns against Israel. We must fight antisemitism with an iron fist and by all means.”
Australian Muslim organization condemns ‘horrific’ shootings
A major Australian Muslim organization condemned the “horrific” shooting. “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack,” the Australian National Imams Council said in a statement. “This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity,” it added.
