Gunmen Kill 11, Wound 29 in Sydney’s Hanukkah Celebration Attack
UPDATE: A devastating attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney has left at least 11 dead and 29 wounded, including police officers. The incident, which unfolded on Sunday evening, has been condemned as an act of antisemitic terrorism by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described it as a direct assault on the nation’s Jewish community.
The violent rampage began around 6:45 p.m. local time, as two gunmen opened fire during the Chanukah by the Sea event, celebrating the start of the eight-day festival. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes, with people running from the water as shots rang out. Police confirmed one gunman was shot dead at the scene while the second was apprehended and is in critical condition.
According to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, the attack specifically targeted Sydney’s Jewish community. Among the deceased is Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and one of the event’s organizers.
Strong public reactions have emerged. Albanese expressed his devastation, stating, “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy.” He vowed a national moment of unity against such acts of hate.
The violence follows a disturbing spike in antisemitic incidents across Australia, which have surged more than threefold since the recent Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7, 2023. Jillian Segal, the government’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, highlighted this alarming trend, linking it to rising tensions globally.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture. Arsen Ostrovsky, a lawyer present at the ceremony, described the scene as “pure evil, just an absolute bloodbath.” Meanwhile, Lachlan Moran, who was waiting for family, recounted hearing shots for several minutes as chaos erupted around him.
International condemnation has been swift. King Charles III expressed his sorrow over the attack, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the violence, asserting that antisemitism has “no place in this world.” In addition, police in cities like London have increased security measures at Jewish sites in response to the attack.
The Australian government faces scrutiny over its handling of rising antisemitism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australia’s diplomatic stance towards Palestine, warning that it contributes to growing antisemitic sentiments.
As investigations continue, police are examining suspicious items, including improvised explosive devices found in one of the suspect’s vehicles. The aftermath of this tragedy raises urgent questions about safety and the protection of vulnerable communities in Australia.
This incident marks the deadliest shooting in Australia in nearly three decades, jolting a nation known for its strict gun control laws. The last major mass shooting occurred in 1996, leading to significant legal reforms.
As the community grapples with this horrific event, authorities are calling for solidarity and vigilance against hate-driven violence. The world watches closely as Sydney’s Jewish community mourns and seeks justice.
