Australian authorities confirmed on Sunday (December 14, 2025) the deaths of ten people, including one of the attackers, on Bondi Beach, east of Sydney, where there was a shooting that forced a lockdown of the area. The head of the Jewish Association of Australia said the attack was “a tragedy but entirely predictable”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack. “At this moment, our brothers and sisters in Sydney, Australia, were attacked by vile terrorists in an extremely cruel attack on Jews,” Herzog said in a speech at an event in Jerusalem, where he called on Australia to “combat the enormous wave of anti-Semitism that is ravaging Australian society.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “shocking and disturbing,” adding that “emergency services are on the scene and working to save lives.”
Attack on Jewish celebration
There was initially no official confirmation in Australia that the attack targeted the Jewish community, but initial reports suggested a Jewish Hanukkah event was the target of the attack on this famous beach in Sydney’s east. Sunday marks the first of the eight days of Hanukkah, one of the most important Jewish holidays. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said calls to “globalize the intifada” had come true today.
Australian media reported dozens of shots and several victims. Police said two people were arrested but did not provide further information about the nature of the attack, the suspects or the victims. According to the Australian broadcaster ABC, twelve people were injured. Since the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, there has been an increase in anti-Semitism worldwide, which also includes attacks on Jews and synagogues and criticism of Israel is sometimes turning into hatred of Jews.
lgc (dpa, efe, afp, rtr)
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