Two shooters, identified as a father and son, opened fire on participants of a Jewish event on the beach of Bondi, in Sydney, on Sunday afternoon (14), at around 6:30 pm local time. The attack left 15 dead and dozens injured, in an incident classified by Australian authorities as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community. Centenas of people were gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, organized by the local Chabad.
The victims include people of diverse ages and backgrounds, with initial reports pointing to a 10-year-old girl, rabbis and an Holocausto survivor among the deceased. Equipes emergency personnel responded to the scene quickly, transporting the injured to hospitals in the region. Police cordoned off the area and neutralized the suspects, with one of them dead at the scene.
Images recorded by witnesses show the moment the shooting began, causing a rush among those present. A civilian disarmed one of the shooters, an action that was highlighted by authorities as crucial to containing the attack.
Attack details
The shooting occurred during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, an annual tradition on the beach in Bondi that brings together families for barbecues, music and community activities. The shooters arrived in a vehicle and started shooting from a nearby bridge, hitting the public gathered in an adjacent park.
Witnesses reported that the shooting lasted several minutes, with people running for shelter in nearby areas. The police responded quickly, exchanging fire with the suspects and avoiding a greater number of victims.
- The event had around 1,000 participants.
- Attack began around 6:30 pm local time on Sydney.
- Two suspects neutralized, one dead and the other seriously injured.
- Suspicious devices found in the shooters’ vehicle were deactivated.
Profile of identified victims
Jewish authorities and organizations confirmed the identities of several victims in the days following the attack. Entre among them, a 10-year-old child stands out, described by family members and teachers as happy and active in the school community.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, aged 41, was one of the main organizers and father of five children. Ele served as leader of Chabad in Bondi for years, being known for his dedication to the local community.
Alexandre Kleytman, aged 87, had survived Holocausto and died protecting his wife during the shooting. The couple had been attending Jewish events at the beach for decades.
Other victims include:
- Dan Elkayam, 27 years old, French citizen recently resident in Sydney.
- Peter Meagher, former police officer who worked as a photographer at the event.
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, active member of the local synagogue.
- Reuven Morrison, 62 years old, businessman and donor to Chabad.
- Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, coordinator of Jewish activities.
- Marika Pogany, 82 years old, volunteers in community clubs.
These identifications were released by family members, organizations and clubs associated with the victims. The complete list is still undergoing official confirmation.
Investigation underway
The police from Nova Gales of Sul are conducting the investigation with the support of anti-terrorism teams. The suspects were confirmed to be a father and son, with the eldest possessing a firearms license.
Investigators analyze motivations linked to extremism, including possible connections with radical groups. Artefatos found in the shooters’ car were neutralized by the bomb team.
Authorities have beefed up security at Jewish sites across the country. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced discussions to tighten firearms laws.
National and international reactions
Australian leaders condemned the attack as anti-Semitic and terrorist. The premier of Nova Gales of Sul highlighted the unity of society in response to violence.
Jewish communities around the world expressed solidarity, with vigils held in several cities. Doações for victims and the civilian who intervened surpassed significant marks.
- Improvised memorial formed on the beach of Bondi with flowers and candles.
- Increase in blood donations in affected regions.
- Symbolic projections on iconic monuments of Sydney.
- Condemnations from foreign governments, including increased security for Jewish events.
Hanukkah event context
Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of Templo from Jerusalém and lasts eight days, with progressive candle lighting. The event at Bondi was open to the public and promoted community inclusion.
Bondi is home to a significant Jewish population in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. The place is known for attracting tourists and residents during the Australian summer.
The celebration included family attractions such as face painting and animals for children. The attack brought peaceful activities to an abrupt halt.
Post-attack security measures
Police increased patrols in sensitive areas and religious events. Hospitais in the region received dozens of injured people, with several in critical condition initially.
Local communities organized psychological support for those affected. Autoridades encourage reporting related threats.
The incident marked the worst mass attack in Austrália in decades, reigniting debates over gun control.
Civilian hero in the incident
A local regular intervened, disarming one of the shooters, suffering serious injuries. Sua action received praise from authorities and generated financial support campaigns.
Family members described the act as courageous and decisive. Ele underwent surgery and is recovering in hospital.
This intervention contributed to the rapid neutralization of the suspects by the police.
