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Sydney shooting targeting Jewish community kills at least 16: What we know

1 1
15.12.2025

At least 16 people were killed and 40 injured when gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, in an attack authorities said was motivated by antisemitism and marked one of the deadliest shootings in Australian history. 

The assault unfolded at one of the country’s most famous beaches, where police said well over 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate the first night of the Jewish holiday. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism.” 

Police said two gunmen took part in the rampage, adding that the attackers were father and son. One of the attackers was fatally shot during a confrontation with police, while the second was arrested and remains in critical condition, authorities said. Authorities have stated that police officers were among those injured.

In a press conference Sunday, Mal Lanyon, the New South Wales Police Force commissioner, said, “The condition of those officers and the others transported [to hospitals] are serious.”   

Lanyon said that there were “well over 1,000 people” at Bondi Beach when the attack occurred. “As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight … I declared this to be a terrorist incident,” he said. 

One of the victims was identified as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Schlanger played a central role in organizing the Hanukkah celebration, according to a statement from Chabad, which described him as a deeply respected leader within the local Jewish community. Citing local........

© Al Monitor