Deadly Bondi Beach Mass Shooting During Hanukkah Celebration

A deadly mass shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on December 15, 2025. Two gunmen, identified as a father-son duo, killed at least 15 people and injured many more in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled as an act of antisemitic terrorism.

The attackers, 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, reportedly used legally obtained firearms in the assault. Following the attack, the New South Wales Police confirmed that all six firearms registered to Sajid Akram were recovered, raising concerns over gun control regulations.

Naveed, who was hospitalized in serious condition after being tackled by a local fruit shop owner named Ahmed al Ahmed, had previously come under scrutiny from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

The shooting has ignited discussions about rising antisemitic violence in Australia, with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry reporting over 3,700 incidents in the two years following the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023.

This incident has prompted calls for increased security during cultural events globally, as communities reflect on safety during sensitive celebrations. The shooting at Bondi Beach marks a significant escalation in the rise of antisemitic violence, underscoring the urgent need for community support and legislative action against hate crimes.