Terror Attack at Bondi Beach During Hanukkah Kills 15, Sparks Criticism of Government Response
On December 14, 2025, a terrorist attack targeted the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack resulted in at least 15 people killed and dozens wounded.
The suspects were a father and his adult son; the father was killed at the scene while the son was shot by police and hospitalized in critical condition. Among those killed was a 10-year-old girl, and a Holocaust survivor was among those harmed. The two gunmen’s motives centered on targeting the Jewish community and the broader Australian public.
Authorities pledged to review security and counterterrorism measures in response to the attack. Police increased their presence around synagogues, and Hanukkah events across the country were canceled for safety concerns. Dionne Taylor of the Australia/Israel Jewish Affairs Council criticized the government for failing to act on rising antisemitism despite multiple warnings, submissions, and a report by a special envoy, which had not been implemented.
The attack raised broader concerns about the erosion of social cohesion, immigration policy, and radical Islamism in Australia. Public reaction showed solidarity from non-Jewish Australians, who offered help including blood donations. Some families are considering aliyah to Israel for safety.
Additionally, Arsen Ostrovsky, the newly appointed head of AIJAC’s Sydney office, was shot during the festival and hospitalized. The police investigation into the attack remains ongoing.
