11 dead and 29 injured following attack at Bondi Beach Hanukkah festival
Two gunmen targeted a Jewish celebration in Sydney, one of the two suspects have died
Last updated 14th Dec 2025
At least 12 people, including a British-born rabbi, have died and 29 were injured when two "terrorist" gunmen targeted a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australian police have said.
The gunmen, armed with what police have described as "long guns", opened fire on the Archer Park area of the popular beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday, New South Wales Police said.
The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, also known as Chanukah, the force confirmed.
British-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, has been named as one of the victims.
One of the shooters is believed to be among the dead, the other is under arrest.
Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish festival of light that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Police have not yet released further details about the suspects or the motive behind the attack.
In a message to the people of Australia, the King said he was "appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack".
King Charles has shared his message of condolence to the people of Australia on X:
CST is the organisation in charge of security at synagogues across the UK. They have condemned what it described as an “appalling attack” that appears to have targeted a Chanukah celebration.
In a statement a spokesperson’s said:
"CST condemns the appalling attack that appears to have targeted a Chanukah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia.
"Chanukah is a Jewish festival that celebrates light and religious freedom and it is abhorrent that such violence was directed at a moment of communal joy. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and the Australian Jewish community at this awful time.
"CST will continue to work closely with police, government and community partners to protect Jewish life in this country, including discussions this morning to increase security and policing for Chanukah events in the UK over the next eight days."
King Charles has shared his message of condolence to the people of Australia on X:
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts are with everyone affected:
Sir Ephraim Mirvis is a British Orthodox rabbi and the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. He said the news is heart-breaking in a post on X:
The Metropolitan Police is increasing its visibility in Jewish communities ahead of any Hanukkah events in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack, the mayor of London has said.
In a post on X, London Mayor, Sadiq Khan said:
The Metropolitan Police have expressed condolences following the Sydney attack.
In a statement a spokesperson said:
"The thoughts of all of us at the Metropolitan Police are with the loved ones of those who have been killed or injured in the terrible attack in Sydney earlier today and with the emergency services who responded.
"While the details of the incident continue to emerge, the Australian authorities have now confirmed that the target was a Hannukah gathering taking place on Bondi Beach.
"It is an awful reality that Jewish communities across the world continue to face a higher level of threat. At a time when London’s Jewish communities are coming together to begin the celebration of Hannukah, we know this attack will be the cause of not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety.
"We were already working closely with partners, including the Community Security Trust, to provide an increased presence around synagogues and other community venues at this important time.
"While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days.
"We always encourage the public to be vigilant at events and in public places. If you see anything suspicious, trust your instincts and tell us. In an emergency, always call 999."