In one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia in three decades, two gunmen opened fire on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as a terrorist act and a blatant anti-Semitic attack that struck at the heart of the Australian nation.

At least 11 people were killed and 29 others injured, including two police officers, New South Wales police said. One of the attackers died at the scene and the other was injured and taken into custody. Authorities said one of the attackers was already being watched by security services, but no specific threat had been reported before the incident.

Target: Jewish community
Authorities have stressed that the shooting was a direct target of Sydney's Jewish community. The "Chanukah by the Sea" event, organized by the Chabad movement, was being held at the end of a hot summer day and was attended by hundreds of people.

The Chabad movement identified one of the victims as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, deputy rabbi of Chabad Bondi and one of the main organizers of the event. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also confirmed the death of an Israeli citizen.

Details of the incident and witness reactions
Emergency calls were made at around 6:45 p.m. to report the shooting. Video footage recorded by witnesses shows people running from the beach in half-naked condition as two gunmen opened fire from a footbridge.

In a heroic act, a citizen managed to restrain one of the attackers and disable his weapon. State Premier Chris Means described the man as a “true hero.”

Rising anti-Semitic threats in Australia
Australia, with a population of around 28 million, is home to around 117,000 Jews and has faced a wave of anti-Semitic attacks, threats and vandalism in the past two years. Anti-Semitic incidents have more than tripled since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the Gaza war.

Last year, synagogues and Jewish homes in Sydney and Melbourne were attacked and their property vandalized. Albanese had previously blamed Iran for two anti-Semitic attacks and restricted diplomatic relations with Tehran.

Global response
World leaders including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Antonio Guterres, Narendra Modi, Keir Starmer and Marco Rubio condemned the attack, and some countries increased security at Jewish centers.

Security checks and investigations
Police said several improvised explosive devices were found in one of the suspects' vehicles and a disposal team was examining it. Investigations into the motive for the attack and the possibility of a support network are ongoing.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns about anti-Semitism and the domestic terrorist threat in Australia.

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