On 14 December 2025, a terrorist attack targeted the “Chanukah by the Sea” Hanukkah celebration organised by Chabad of Bondi at Archer Park near Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Australian authorities classified the incident as an act of terrorism motivated by antisemitism, resulting in at least 15 deaths and dozens of injuries, according to reports.
The attack unfolded shortly before 7 p.m. local time on the first night of Hanukkah, with hundreds attending the family-oriented event. Two gunmen—a father-son duo, Sajid Akram (50, killed by police) and Naveed Akram (24, critically injured and arrested)—opened fire using licensed long-arm firearms, Reuters and the Associated Press reported. Police recovered improvised explosive devices (disabled at the scene) and materials linked to Islamic State ideology, including flags.
Victims included a 10-year-old girl, Rabbi Eli Schlanger (assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi), a Holocaust survivor, and others aged 10 to 87, as detailed in coverage by The New York Times and Al Jazeera. Hospitals treated around 40 injured individuals, several critically.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, and terrorism,” announcing reviews of gun laws and enhanced counter-extremism measures, per Reuters. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasised its deliberate targeting of the Jewish community.
A standout act of bravery came from bystander Ahmed al-Ahmed (also referred to as Ahmed al Ahmed), a 43-year-old Syrian-born Muslim resident and local fruit shop owner. Verified footage reported by Reuters, the Associated Press, and The New York Times showed him tackling and disarming one gunman despite sustaining gunshot wounds. Albanese and Minns praised his intervention as heroic, potentially saving lives; a community fundraiser exceeded A$1 million.
The incident has prompted scrutiny of Australia’s strict post-1996 gun laws, with officials examining firearm acquisition and potential regulatory gaps. It occurs amid documented rises in antisemitic incidents since October 2023, though authorities distinguish this ideologically inspired attack from broader social tensions.
Analyses from the Brookings Institution highlight challenges in detecting isolated radicalisation. Carnegie Endowment assessments note ongoing difficulties for democracies in countering such violence without eroding civil liberties. Chatham House commentary stresses balancing robust security with efforts to avoid stigmatising communities.
Community responses included interfaith vigils and memorials at Bondi Pavilion, with leaders from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian groups condemning hatred, as covered by the BBC. International reactions featured condemnations from the Vatican and other leaders.
Investigations continue into radicalisation pathways, prior monitoring (one suspect previously known to agencies), and motive confirmation. Plausible trajectories include tightened firearm regulations, increased public-event security, and inter-community initiatives. Uncertainty persists regarding long-term societal impacts, but cross-community heroism—exemplified by al-Ahmed—and unified responses underscore resilience in Australia’s multicultural society.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
