According to Israel, members of the Jewish community gathered at the beach in Sydney to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah were attacked. Police reported 9 victims of the shooting, and two suspects have been apprehended.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that the shooting that occurred on Sunday, December 14, at the popular Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, was aimed at the Jewish community. "Right at this very moment, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, are under attack by despicable terrorists - during a brutal assault on Jews gathered at Bondi Beach to light the first Hanukkah candle," Herzog's office in Jerusalem quoted him as saying.
New South Wales police reported that 10 people were killed, specifying that among them was one of the two suspected shooters. The second attacker is injured and in critical condition; he has been apprehended. Another 11 people were injured, two of whom are police officers.
A video is circulating on social media, allegedly filmed by a passerby, showing a man disarming one of the attackers and then aiming a weapon at him.
Shooting at Australia's Bondi beach:
— Manas Gangwar (@ManasGangwar8) December 14, 2025
A local deals with the active shooter, and brings him down. pic.twitter.com/xMEIhhSlT0
In a statement released on social media, the police said that the operation is ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are urging people to avoid the area, and those in the vicinity of the beach to seek shelter.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that one of the suspected shooters was shot by police, while the other was apprehended. There is currently no detailed information about the victims.
Alex Ryvchin, one of the leaders of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, informed Sky News that the attack occurred during the Jewish community event "Chanukah by the Sea." At that time, hundreds of people, including many families with children, had gathered at Bondi Beach.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, thousands participated in the Hanukkah event organized by the Jewish religious movement Chabad. It is reported that one of the deceased was a Chabad emissary.
Australian authorities have not yet officially confirmed that the attack was deliberately aimed at members of the Jewish community. This fact is also not mentioned in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's statement.
President of the European Parliament: "This light will not go out"
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that he is shocked by the "brutal attack." "This is the result of anti-Semitic riots that have been occurring on the streets of Australia over the past two years, and anti-Semitic and inciting calls to 'globalize the intifada' that have now come to fruition. The Australian government, which has received countless warnings, must reconsider!" he wrote on social media platform X.
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola expressed her sympathy for the victims of the attack and the Jewish community in Australia and beyond. "I am horrified by the images of the horrific attack on many people at Bondi Beach at the beginning of the Hanukkah celebrations in Sydney," she wrote. "This light (of Hanukkah - Ed.) will not go out."
A major Australian Muslim organization - the National Council of Imams of Australia - condemned the "horrific" shooting at Bondi Beach. "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 council's statement said. "At this moment, all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, must unite in unity, compassion, and solidarity."
Bondi Beach in Sydney is one of the most famous beaches in Australia, attracting a large number of surfers, swimmers, and tourists.
The major Jewish holiday of Hanukkah lasts for eight days, with one additional candle lit on the traditional menorah each day. This year it is celebrated from December 14 to December 22.
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