Sydney Terror Attack During Hanukkah Celebration Kills 12

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Sydney
• Dec 14, 2025
• 595

Australia was shaken by a rare and deadly terror attack on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, where gunmen opened fire during a public Hanukkah celebration, killing 12 people and injuring nearly 30 others, including two police officers, New South Wales police confirmed.

Authorities said one attacker was killed at the scene, while another shooter remains in critical condition under police custody. A third accomplice is also being investigated, as police continue raids linked to the suspects. Several suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were recovered, escalating fears over the scale of the planned attack.

One of the attackers was identified as Naveed Akram, a resident of Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west, according to national broadcaster ABC. Counter-terror units are currently raiding locations linked to Akram as part of an ongoing investigation.

Attack During Jewish Religious Event

The attack occurred while an event marking Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, was underway at the beach. More than 1,000 people, including families and tourists, were present at the time, making the incident one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia in decades.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog strongly condemned the attack, stating that “Jewish sisters and brothers in Sydney were attacked by vile terrorists as they went to light the first candle of Chanukah.” He urged the Australian government to intensify action against rising antisemitism.

Echoing this concern, the Israeli embassy in India said the incident reflected the global dangers of extremist rhetoric, warning that calls to “globalise the intifada” amount to incitement against Jewish communities worldwide.

Australia’s Rare Encounter With Gun Violence

Mass shootings are exceptionally rare in Australia following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which led to some of the world’s strictest gun control laws. The Bondi Beach attack has reignited debate about domestic security threats and extremist violence, particularly targeting religious minorities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been briefed on the situation, with senior officials describing the incident as a terror attack aimed at undermining social cohesion.

Rising Antisemitic Incidents

The attack comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia since the outbreak of the Israel–Gaza war in October 2023. Last year alone, Sydney witnessed graffiti threats on Jewish businesses and arson attacks near kosher establishments.

In August this year, Australia accused Iran of orchestrating antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, allegations Tehran has denied.

Jewish Community in Australia

According to the 2021 Australian census, Australia’s Jewish population stands at approximately 117,000, making up 0.46% of the total population. Nearly 84% live in Sydney and Melbourne, cities that have historically been safe havens for Jewish migrants, including Holocaust survivors.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the second-century BCE victory of Jews over Greek rulers and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Central to the festival is the lighting of the menorah, symbolising a miracle in which a single day’s supply of oil lasted eight days.

This year, Hanukkah is being observed from December 14 to December 22.