At the central London vigil in memory of the Bondi attack victims, attendees cheered for the “hero” who was filmed tackling a gunman and grabbing his gun.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a father-of-two, was named by relatives as the man who was shown tackling the terrorist in a video shared widely on social media.
Speaking at the vigil outside Australia House on Sunday night, Fiyaz Mughal, from Muslims Against Antisemitism UK, said: “There was a member of the Jewish community, Ahmed al Ahmed, who risked his life.”
Starmers light menorah for start of Chanukkah
Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer light a candle on the family menorah in the window of No 10 to mark the start of Chanukkah
SIMON DAWSON/NO 10 DOWNING STREET
Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer lit their family menorah in the window of No 10 as they sent “thoughts and prayers” to those murdered in the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach.
Lady Starmer is Jewish and they often mark the beginning of Shabbat on Friday nights, the prime minister said in a 2024 interview.
Sharing a photo on social media, Starmer said: “As we light the Chanukkah, Our thoughts and prayers are with those murdered in the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach today, their loved ones and the whole Jewish community. Light will always win over darkness.”
Middle Eastern countries condemn the attack
Iran, Qatar and Lebanon have all condemned the attack in separate statements.
Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian government, said it was “a matter of principle”.
“Terror violence and mass killing shall be condemned, wherever they’re committed, as unlawful and criminal,” Baghaei added.
President Aoun of Lebanon said that “human values, foremost among them the right to life, are universal and immutable principles, not subject to discretion, whims, or selective application.” He also compared the attacks to the conflict in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
The Qatari ministry of foreign affairs condemned the attacks and sent its condolences to the families of the victims.
Palestinian foreign ministry condemns Bondi attack
The Palestinian foreign ministry said it “reiterates its firm rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, which contradict humanitarian values”, expressing its “full solidarity” with “friendly Australia”.
Australia recognised a Palestinian state in September alongside Britain and Canada in a historic shift for western foreign policy.
Vigil held outside Australia House
Dozens of people have gathered outside Australia House in London for a vigil in memory of the victims of the Bondi attack.
Attendees waved Israeli and Union flags and held electric candles at the gathering, which was organised by Stop the Hate UK.
Search and rescue organisation heading to Australia
A voluntary emergency response group from Israel has announced it was heading to Australia in response to the Bondi attack.
Zaka Search and Rescue said it would send 12 responders made up of specialists with experience in responding to terror attacks in Israel and abroad.
“Our mission is simple and unwavering: Zaka is there for every Jew, no matter where they are, in times of crisis,” Dubi Weissenstern, the charity’s chief executive, said. “We bring deep experience from terror scenes, working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to preserve critical forensic evidence, while also ensuring the dead are treated with the utmost dignity and can be buried as quickly as possible in accordance with Jewish law.”
Moshe Rozenberg, the group’s executive director, said: “When Jews are attacked for who they are, we show up, not only to help recover the fallen with dignity, but to send a clear message of unity, responsibility and care for one another, wherever we may be.”
Suspect’s home reported to have been raided 
Police at the property in Bonnyrigg, a suburb of Sydney
JEREMY PIPER/REUTERS
Police have been reported to have raided the home of one of the suspects in the attack. A photo published by Reuters shows multiple police vehicles in the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg. The driving licence of one of the suspects, Naveed Akram, shows him living in Bonnyrigg, according to Australian media.
Netanyahu says Australian government did nothing to stop antisemitism
Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, did not hold back in his condemnation of the Australian government. “You replaced weakness with weakness and appeasement with more appeasement. Your government did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia,” Netanyahu said.
“You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country. You took no action. You let the disease spread and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today,” he added.
Jeremy Corbyn ‘horrified’ by news of shooting
Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of the Labour Party and current independent MP, has said he is “horrified” by the news of the shooting.
In a post on X, he asked his followers to “reaffirm our opposition to hatred”.
“Horrified by the news of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach during the first night of Chanukkah,” the message read. “My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and Jewish communities around the world who will be shaken by this antisemitic attack.
“In moments like these, we must remember our common humanity, reaffirm our opposition to hatred, and stand up for the rights of everyone to worship in freedom, safety and peace.”
Gathering for victims of attack to take place in London
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) and the Jewish charity Chabad Lubavitch UK will come together to “bring light to the darkness” as they announced a gathering in front of parliament at 6.30pm on Monday.
“We are coming together to light up London in honour of our brethren killed at Chabad in Australia and in the spirit of the festival of Chanukkah,” the CAA wrote. “At 18.30, in front of parliament, we will bring light to the darkness. We will mourn the dead and celebrate the endurance of Jewish life in the face of those who mean us harm, in the best tradition of Chanukkah.
“Chanukkah recalls the Jewish fight against antisemitic oppression in another era, and calls on us to redouble our efforts in that same fight today. We will not be cowed by terrorists, nor will we allow the names of the fallen to be forgotten. We hope that you will join us.”
Bondi Beach terror attack in maps and video
More than 1,000 people had gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach Park for a “Chanukkah by the Sea” event to celebrate the Jewish festival.
But almost two hours after the family event started at 5pm near a children’s playground, a celebration of joy and light descended into a scene of horror and darkness.
The next 45 minutes have been summarised in a visual account, as told by witnesses and the New South Wales police
• Read in full: How the Bondi Beach terror attack unfolded — in maps and video
Shooting was an ‘unspeakable atrocity’, Chief Rabbi says
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi
HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi, said it is hard to “adequately express our pain” after the Bondi Beach attack.
He said Jewish people will “rebuild with tenacity” after of this “unspeakable atrocity”. He said on X: “As we kindle our first Chanukkah lights this evening, we hold the victims of the unspeakable atrocity in Sydney in our hearts and in our prayers.
“We mourn the loss of the innocent lives taken so brutally in this act of hatred and terror and we pray for a speedy recovery for all those injured. Once again, Jews have been targeted for the crime of gathering together proudly as Jews and it is hard to find the words to adequately express our pain.
“Our traditional Jewish response is clear: In the spirit of the defiant Maccabees, who declared that they would never be cowed nor denied the right to live and worship freely, we are strong and resilient. We will rebuild with tenacity, and we will continue to gather together to celebrate the light of our tradition and our values even more openly and proudly.”
Chanukkah celebrations proceed in London
The menorah lit up in Trafalgar Square
JAMES MANNING/PA
A menorah, a candelabrum used in Jewish worship, has been lit in Trafalgar Square, central London, to mark the first day of Chanukkah.
Jewish advocacy group chief pleads for world to ‘stand with us’
A spokesperson for the American Jewish Committee, which advocates for Jewish people in the US and around the world, said he was “horrified” by the Bondi terror attack but “not surprised”.
Ted Deutch, the organisation’s chief executive, wrote in a post on social media that he had warned Australian officials that “their failure to take meaningful action against antisemitism could lead to more violence and bloodshed”.
Deutch, who served as a US congressman 2010 to 2022, called for “bold action” from Australian leaders. He said: “We are 16 million people in the world. We cannot do this on our own. Stand with us.”
British-born rabbi would have wanted people to ‘keep spreading light’
The cousin of the British-born rabbi killed in the attack has said that his relative was “full of life, a really pleasant, warm person who really loved helping people and was always a real joy to chat with”.
Rabbi Zalman Lewis said that Rabbi Eli Schlanger would have wanted people to “keep spreading light” despite the attack.
“I know how he would have been reacting and it was something he said recently,” Lewis told BBC News. “Every human being on earth has a positive way to contribute to making the world a better place.”
British-born rabbi wrote to Australian PM before attack
Eli Schlanger, the London-born rabbi who was killed in the terror attack, had written a letter to the prime minister of Australia weeks before the attack, asking him to provide greater support for Israel, according to a local reports.
Channel 12 broadcast excerpts from the letter read: “As a rabbi in Sydney, I beg you not to betray the Jewish people and not God himself.
“Jews have been torn from their land again and again by leaders who are now remembered with contempt in the pages of history. You have an opportunity to stand on the side of truth and justice.”
UK’s Israeli embassy says it had been warning against incitement for two years
The UK’s Israeli embassy said it was “grief-stricken” by the terror attack on the Jewish community in Bondi Beach, calling for governments to take stronger action against incitement of hatred and antisemitism on the streets.
The embassy called attacks against global Jewry a “grim reality” after the attack on Heaton Park synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, in October.
“We are once again confronted with the same grim reality: Jews murdered by radicalised gunmen driven by incitement that has echoed through the streets of Sydney, London, and other cities for the past two years,” the embassy wrote, blaming calls to globalise the intifada and chants of “from the river to the sea” heard at pro-Palestinian protests as explicit calls for violence with deadly consequences.
The embassy said it had been warning against incitement since the start of the Gaza war, adding: “For the past two years, we have warned that tolerating such incitement would lead to real-world violence. We have repeatedly urged governments to act decisively against those who incite hatred and glorify terror. The time for complacency is over.”
Wife recounts her Holocaust survivor husband’s death
One of those killed in the attack has been named as Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine.
His wife Larisa told The Australian that he fell to the ground after the shooting started. “Today in the middle of the celebrations [there were] shots and unfortunately my husband was killed,” she said.
“We were standing and suddenly came the ‘boom boom’, and everybody fell down. At this moment he was behind me and at one moment he decided to get close to me. He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me.”
London-born rabbi’s death inspires defiance
Schlanger, the London-born rabbi killed in the attack, lived in the Temple Fortune area of London until he was a teenager. He had served at Chabad Bondi since 2007. He posted a video at Chanukkah last year affixing a light-up menorah to the roof of his car. It was entitled: “Here’s the best response to combat antisemitism” and featured the song lyrics: “Just a little bit of light takes away the dark.”
Far from being put off attending, Rabbi Mendy Korer, another London rabbi who knew Schlanger personally, received messages from worshippers who were doubly determined to attend the London menorah lighting event after the Sydney attack, with one reading: “Waking up to heartbreaking news. Now hearing a Chabad rabbi killed. There are no words for this. I’ve moved my day around and will see you later.”
Korer said: “It would be wonderful if we could celebrate our identity proudly without it needing to have a layer of defiance.”
London-born rabbi had ‘heart of gold’, friend says
Rabbi Mendy Korer, a London rabbi from the same Chabad movement, a Hasidic movement within Orthodox Judaism, was due to hold a Menorah lighting in Islington on Sunday night. He sent a message to his congregation that the event would go ahead as it mattered “more than ever” in light of the antisemitic attacks and said: “Security is a top priority.”
He said on Sunday afternoon that he knew Eli Schlanger personally. “There’s 6,000 of us [Chabad rabbis] and he’s one of the few that I know. He’s someone with a heart of gold.”
He said that Schlanger was “very excited” to coordinate events and “spend time reaching out to people attending and just going around to individuals and saying a prayer with them, giving them a hug, thanking them for coming.
“That really epitomised his personality and he was there on the front lines,” Korer added.
Relatives pay tribute to London-born rabbi killed in attack
One of the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack has been named as Eli Schlanger, a London-born rabbi.
Relatives have paid tribute to the 41-year-old father-of-five, who grew up in Temple Fortune, north London.
His first cousin, Zalman Lewis, a Brighton-based rabbi, told Jewish News: “How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?
“We can only respond by doing what Eli would have wanted, what he dedicated his life to — doing more mitzvot [good deeds] and to keep spreading positive energy.”
Schlanger was an assistant rabbi at the Jewish cultural centre Chabad of Bondi. He and his wife Chayala celebrated the birth of their son two months ago.
William and Kate extend condolences to affected families
The Prince and Princess of Wales said they “stand with the Jewish community in grief” after the attack.
William and Kate said in a post on social media: “Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief. We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers. W & C.”
The King sends message to the people of Australia
The King said that he was “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” at Bondi Beach.
In a personal message to the people of Australia, Charles and the Queen commended the heroism of the emergency services and members of the public who “prevented even greater horror and tragedy”.
The King wrote: “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia — and the light at the heart of the Chanukkah Festival — will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
Iran condemns attack in Sydney
Iran’s foreign ministry has denounced the “violent attack” in Sydney. “We condemn the violent attack in Sydney, Australia. Terror and killing of human beings, wherever committed, is rejected and condemned,” Esmail Baghaei, the foreign ministry spokesman, said on X.
Relations between Iran and Australia have significantly deteriorated this year. In August, Canberra blamed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for two arson attacks last year targeting its Jewish community: one on a kosher restaurant in Sydney and another on a synagogue in Melbourne. No casualties were reported.
After the attacks, Canberra declared the Iranian ambassador persona non grata and gave him and three other Iranian diplomats a week to leave the country. It also recalled its own ambassador and suspended the activities of its embassy in Tehran.
The move was condemned by Iran who vowed that “reciprocal action” would follow. In November, the Australian government designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a terror-sponsoring group. This was described as an “insulting and unjustified act” by Iran’s foreign ministry.
Victim identified as Israeli, foreign ministry confirms
Israel’s foreign ministry has confirmed that one of the victims of today’s attacks is an Israeli citizen.
No further details have been provided about their identity.
Envoy to combat antisemitism says there were warnings before the attack
Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism said the Bondi shooting was a “deliberate” attack on Australian icons.
Jillian Segal said that the attack “did not come without warning”.
“In Australia, it began on 9 October 2023 at the Sydney Opera House,” Segal said. “We then watched a march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge waving terrorist flags and glorifying extremist leaders. Now death has reached Bondi Beach.
“These are Australian icons. Targeting them is deliberate. This is not random. It is an attack on Australia.”
She added: “To ordinary Australians, this moment demands clarity. What once seemed distant or uncomfortable can no longer be ignored. Taunts from the Opera House steps, synagogues set alight and now massacres at a celebration form a clear pattern. This is not the Australia we know and it cannot be the Australia we accept.”
Families queued for ice cream. Then the shooting began
It was a perfect Sydney day. The temperature climbed fast and early to 31C, ranking Sunday among the city’s warmest so far this summer.
As always on such days, crowds swarmed the beaches. Hundreds of people covered Bondi’s white sands by early afternoon and lingered into early evening.
At Bondi beach’s adjoining playground, about 1,000 members of Sydney’s large Jewish community were assembling for the city’s Chanukkah by the Sea event to mark the first evening of the Jewish holiday.
At 6.47pm, 14 minutes before sunset, two thickset men wearing black shirts stepped out of a small truck and walked onto a footbridge overlooking the playground, by then filled with Jewish families, community leaders and local politicians. Each had a rifle. They trained the weapons on the playground and opened fire.
‘The guns that today slaughter Jews will tomorrow turn on others’
After the shooting, a British charity fighting antisemitism said that people calling to “globalise the intifada” were calling for this type of terrorist attack.
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “Jews gathering to celebrate life have yet again been met by death meted out by evil terrorists. We pray for the families of those who have been taken from us in Australia, and for the recovery of those fighting for their lives.
“When people call to ‘globalise the intifada’, this is what they are calling for: dead Jews, terrorism and families shattered forever. As the horrific news broke, we were immediately reminded of one atrocity after another, from the Yom Kippur attack in Manchester to the Simchat Torah attack on October 7 in Israel.
“For many Jews, this is increasingly what the world feels like — a place where we are either being vilified, or slaughtered, or sent thoughts and prayers, but never protected. The West must stand unequivocally against the evil ideology that wrought this massacre, not just in word but in deed. The guns that today slaughter Jews will tomorrow turn on others.
More British police to be deployed in Jewish communities 
A police van outside a synagogue in Stamford Hill, north London, after the attack in Bondi Beach
DINENDRA HARIA/LNP
British police will dispatch more officers into Jewish communities after the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach.
The Metropolitan Police will increase patrols around synagogues and other community venues as Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins on Sunday evening, with celebrations planned across the UK in the coming days.
Hertfordshire Constabulary said it would have a visible presence in the county after the terrorist attack in Sydney. Police Scotland said it was in contact with faith leaders after the attack, but added there is “no specific threat” to the Jewish community in Scotland and that patrols around synagogues were already taking place.
Worshippers at a synagogue in Manchester were attacked on October 2.
Netanyahu: Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent
Binyamin Netanyahu has accused Australia’s prime minister of “pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism” in the months leading up to the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Israel’s prime minister, speaking at a televised public address at an event in southern Israel, referred to a letter he sent to Anthony Albanese in August after the government announced it would recognise Palestinian statehood.
He said: “Three months ago I wrote to the Australian prime minister that your policy is pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism. Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent and do not act.”
‘Every single Australian will be horrified at what has happened’
Alexander Downer, the former Australian foreign minister, said the Bondi shooting highlights rising antisemitism and the shortcomings of his country’s government against extremism.
“Every single Australian, with very, very few exceptions, will be absolutely horrified at what has happened,” he told Times Radio. “Australia is a multicultural country and has a proud history of supporting a Jewish community … which has contributed to our country for a couple of hundred years. So it’s unbelievable that something like this would happen in Australia.”
When asked what the attack meant for the country, he added: “It means the Australian government hasn’t been rigorous enough, and the state governments … in cracking down on Islamic extremists of one kind or another.
“They’ve been cautious because they’re worried about the votes in particular constituencies in Australia. They’ve been a little bit equivocal. They haven’t been black and white and certain in their absolute opposition to Islamic extremism. People will just be appalled in Australia at what has happened and how antisemitism has been allowed to breed in the way it has spread in Australia over the last two years. That is a problem in the UK as well. It’s a problem in both of our countries that we haven’t been rigorous enough in cracking down on it.”
Former England cricket captain was locked in Bondi restaurant
Among those who fled Bondi beach to take shelter was Michael Vaughan, the former England cricket captain, who is in Australia covering the ongoing Ashes series.
Vaughan said in a post on X: “Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary … Now home safe … but thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist … thoughts with all who have been affected.”
Shooting was an ‘unspeakable atrocity’, Chief Rabbi says
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi
HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, who serves as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, has reacted to the shooting.
He said: “Absolutely heartbreaking news is emerging of an unspeakable atrocity on Bondi Beach in Sydney, where a Chanukkah event was taking place.
“As details become clearer, please join me in praying for everyone affected by this heinous act.”
Our community is in mourning, says Polanski
The Green Party leader Zack Polanski
FINNBARR WEBSTER/GETTY
Zack Polanski, head of the Greens and the only Jewish leader of a political party in the UK, said: “I’m on my way to a Chanukkah event. It should be a celebration, but instead our community is once again mourning.
“I will be thinking of everyone in Australia and those around the world in the Jewish community who know this fear and loss.”
Baroness Natalie Bennett, the former leader of the Greens who was born and raised in Australia, also shared her thoughts for those affected by the shooting. She said: “I am thinking of all the directly affected members of the Jewish community in Australia, and the broader community in Bondi and beyond, whose sense of security must be shaken by this horrendous attack. Also of all of the emergency services personnel who had to deal with the attackers and support the victims.”
Rubio: US strongly condemns attack
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state
CELAL GUNES/ANADOLU/GETTY
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, has joined the growing number of voices reacting to the shooting.
In a post on X he wrote: “The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration. Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.”
‘Words are not enough — we need action’
Jillian Segal, Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism, called for a national security reaction on par with that of the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
In a statement about the Bondi shooting, Segal mentioned the historic mass shooting in southeast Tasmania in which 35 people were killed and many more injured. The country then adopted strict gun-control laws and created a substantial community fund for victims.
She said: “Australia responded decisively after Port Arthur in 1996. This moment requires the same action. Words are no longer enough.
“An attack on a peaceful Jewish celebration is an attack on our national character and our way of life. Australia must defend both.”
Bystander who died trying to stop gunman named by friend
A second person who tried to stop the gunman but died in the process has been named by one of the survivors of the Bondi shooting.
Reuven Morrison, an assistant at Bondi’s Wellington Street synagogue, was meeting his friend Vladimir at the Chanukkah event at the beach moments before the shooting.
“I saw everything and now my best friend is dead. He died in front of me,” Morrison’s friend told the Daily Mail. “I was leaving. I’d walked about 50 metres when I heard the shots and I turned around and there was a Chinese lady and her child and I said ‘get down!’ and maybe that’s what saved me too.
“People started running and I looked up and saw the guy shooting from the bridge above towards the Chanukkah area. But then he was shot, hit in the kidneys I think. I was there when he died. The ambulance took a long time to come. He’s a hero. He died a hero trying to save his community and it cost him his life. If only I didn’t leave earlier, he might be still alive.”
Bystander who disarmed shooter named locally
Ahmed al-Ahmed was shot in the shoulder and hand, 7News reported
The bystander who disarmed one of the shooters has been identified by local media.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old father-of-two who owns a fruit shop in Sutherland, was shot in the shoulder and hand by the other gunman after he tackled and disarmed the first shooter.
His cousin Mustafa told 7News outside hospital that Ahmed had no experience with guns and just wanted to help.
“He’s in hospital and we don’t know exactly what’s going on inside,” he said. “We hope he will be fine. He’s a hero 100 per cent.”
One of the gunmen was known to us, Australian intelligence official says
A drone view shows the suspected shooters lying on a pedestrian bridge
@BONUSIK28 VIA X VIA REUTERS
One of the gunmen was on the radar of the domestic intelligence agency, according to officials.
Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, told reporters: “One of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective. So obviously we need to look into what happened.”
Starmer: UK will always stand with Australia and Jewish community
Sir Keir Starmer said the news that the Bondi shooting was an antisemitic terrorist attack was “sickening”.
The prime minister said: “Chanukkah should be a time of celebration and joy. The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukkah event is sickening. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
“The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community. We are actively working with the @CST_UK on the policing of Chanukkah events.”
Gunman identified locally as Naveed Akram
A law enforcement source named one of the Bondi gunmen as Naveed Akram, according to ABC
One of the shooters has been named locally as Naveed Akram.
A senior law enforcement official told ABC that the man was from southwest Sydney and that Akram’s home had been raided.
Police said they were unable to confirm the identities of the shooters while the operation remains ongoing.
Police presence increased in London
The Met Police in London has stepped up its presence after the shooting in Bondi.
The force was already working with the Community Security Trust and others to ensure an increased presence around synagogues for the first day of Chanukkah, but this morning announced it is “stepping up our police presence”.
A spokesperson said: “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 Chanukkah, we know this attack will be the cause of not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety.”
October 7 survivor injured in Bondi shooting
Arsen Ostrovsky took a picture of himself at the scene of the shooting
A man who survived the October 7 attacks in Israel was injured in the Bondi shooting.
Arsen Ostrovsky, the head of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Sydney office, told Sky News Australia that today’s incident was “an absolute bloodbath”.
Speaking with his head wrapped in a bandage and dried blood covering his face, he said he had come to Australia two weeks ago to work with the Jewish community to fight antisemitism and “this bloodthirsty, ravaging hatred”.
He described seeing one of the gunmen “firing randomly in all directions”, adding: “I saw children falling to the floor, elderly, invalids. It was an absolute bloodbath. October 7th is the last time I saw this.
“We’ve lived through worse, we’re going to get through this and we’re going to get the bastards that did this.”
Gunmen fired into crowd for nine minutes, according to reports
Reports from the scene said the gunmen fired for nine minutes into the crowd.
Other reports said a bystander who attempted to disarm the shooters was spotted by one of the gunmen as he approached and shot dead. This is understood to be a different person to the one who was seen successfully disarming one of the shooters.
Outside Prince of Wales Hospital in nearby Randwick, a young couple, who did not wish to be named, described trying to shield their two young children, aged five months and three years old, from shots.
A bullet hit the mother’s head, grazing her scalp, as she fought to cover her child. “It was a terrorist attack that targeted Jews. That’s it,” the man said.
New pictures from the scene
Terrorists want to divide Australia, premier says
“We can’t let these evil people divide Australia up,” Chris Minns, the New South Wales premier said, adding: “That’s what these terrorists want. They want Australians divided and at each others’ throats.”
Australia cracked down on guns after a shooting which killed 35 people in 1996. The gunman, Martin Bryant, also injured 23 people in the attack in Tasmania.
The government responded by introducing a national gun buyback and tighter licensing requirements as well as restricting semi-automatic weapons.
‘This is part of a wider, global phenomenon’
The Bondi Beach attack has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities across the world, the head of Britain’s largest Jewish representative body said.
Michael Wegier, the chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told Times Radio: “Jews in Sydney, like Jews in Britain, are a strong and resilient community but they are dealing with a new reality. It has all the signs of being an antisemitic attack.”
He said the Australian Jewish community had faced a series of violent incidents in recent years, including arson attacks on synagogues and the home of a senior Jewish community leader.
“This is part of a wider, global phenomenon that Jewish communities are confronting,” Wegier said
Police commissioner urges calm during investigation
The New South Wales police commissioner urged people against “retribution”.
“We will focus to ensure there is no further threat to the public,” Mal Lanyon said as he asked for calm. The police are “investigating thoroughly, acted promptly, and have taken decisive action”, he said.
Injured people continue to arrive at hospital
The number of people injured could be much higher.
Police said at least 12 people were dead, including one of the suspected gunmen, and 29 were taken to hospital, with other continuing to arrive.
Terrorism declaration made due to Chanukkah context
Police said the incident was declared a terrorist event because of the context of the Chanukkah celebrations, types of weapons, the offenders, and the improvised explosive devices.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said more than 1,000 people were at the event. He said it was declared a terrorist incident “as a result of the circumstances”. He also authorised special powers to ensure that if there is a third offender, any further activity will be prevented.
Part of the terrorism declaration was because of information police have about the dead shooter. Lanyon said “a little” was known about the offender.
Police and everyday Australians praised by PM
Albanese commended everyday Australians as well as police and first responders as “heroes”.
He praised the “courage and quick action” of police and first responders, but also the “courage of everyday Australians who without hesitating put themselves in danger in order to keep fellow Australians safe”.
“We have seen Australians run towards danger in order to help others,” he said. “These are heroes and their bravery has saved lives.”
Chris Minns, the New South Wales premier, said : “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Chanukkah. What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in our community with families has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”
Albanese’s message to the Jewish community
The Australian prime minister said “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian”.
Anthony Albanese said: “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. We will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish fate at this dark moment for our nation.”
He added to the Jewish community: “We reaffirm tonight that you have every right to be proud of who you are and what you believe.”
‘Explosive devices’ found in vehicle linked to shooter
Police said a vehicle located near the scene contains what they believe to be “several improvised explosive devices”.
The vehicle, which is linked to the dead shooter, was located in Campbell Parade. Bomb disposal teams are at the scene.
Jewish community was target, say police
AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS/ALAMY
Police have designated the attack as a terrorist event and say it was designed to target the Jewish community in Sydney.
Eleven people are now confirmed dead.
Israeli foreign minister criticises Starmer post
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Israel’s foreign minister has criticised a tweet by Sir Keir Starmer over the Bondi beach attack, pointing out that his message failed to mention that the attack targeted Jews.
Gideon Sa’ar replied to Starmer on X, pointing out that the prime minister failed to mention the Jewish community in his post.
“Distinguished PM, the terror attack targeted Jews,” Sa’ar wrote in a reply to Starmer’s tweet.
In his post, Starmer wrote: “Deeply distressing news from Australia. The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach.”
Surfers took lifesaving equipment to scene
Witnesses have spoken about how people used whatever was on hand to help the injured.
Jesse Lockhart-Krause, a Bondi local, told The Guardian that several volunteers from the surf lifesaving club took emergency equipment including oxygen and defibrillators to the scene.
He said: “There were several that had the courage to get into the park and start helping people. It was all surreal.”
Richard Hasten, who was attending the Chanukkah event with his family, told ABC that he took cover after hearing bangs.
He said: “I was laying down and a woman was right in front of me and I could see she was bleeding right in front of me … so I took my shirt off to stop the bleeding.”
He said she was now “fine”.
‘There’s a gunman, get back in the house and lock the door’
Georgie Heath, a British woman who lives in Bondi Beach, said that she heard the gunshots from her living room.
She told Times Radio: “It’s about two minutes away from my flat. And I first thought it was just fireworks.
“And as I was leaving the house, someone was yelling, ‘there’s a gunman, there’s gunmen, get back in the house, get back in the house, lock the door.’
“A friend of mine was in a stock room in a shop, she had to stay in there. Another one was hiding in a car park outside one of the restaurants nearby.
Heath, praised the actions of the bystander who tackled one of the suspects.
“I think one of the most incredible displays of humanity was that man who put his life on the line to rugby tackle the gunman and think how many lives he has saved,” she told Times Radio.
“It’s very difficult to find sort of light on a day like this. But someone like that doing something like that is just admirable, isn’t a strong enough word to describe what he’s done.”
Heath added: “It is quite scary that something like this can happen. I was literally leaving to go and meet some friends down at the beach ahead of the sunset.”
Starmer: ‘Deeply distressing news’
Sir Keir Starmer says he is being kept updated on the situation in Bondi.
The prime minister said: “Deeply distressing news from Australia. The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach.
“I’m being kept updated on the developing situation.”
Australian Muslim leaders condemn attack
The Australian National Imams Council condemned the shooting on behalf of the Australian Muslim community.
A Chanukkah event was taking place at the beach at the time of the attack. Police have not confirmed whether the Jewish community was the target of the attack.
The Australian National Imams Council said: “These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack.
“This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms and affirming our shared commitment to social harmony and the safety of all Australians.”
Israeli foreign minister denounces ‘antisemitic rampage’
Israel’s foreign minister said the Bondi shooting was the result of “the antisemitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years”.
Gideon Sa’ar said: “I’m appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia.
“These are the results of the antisemitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the antisemitic and inciting calls of “globalise the Intifada” that were realised today.
“The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses.”
A Chanukkah event was happening at the beach at the time of the attack.
Police: casualty numbers expected to change
A child is taken from the scene this evening
GEORGE CHAN/GETTY IMAGES
Police have said the number of casualties is expected to change as their operation continues.
New South Wales police said: “A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.
“Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45pm on Sunday, responding to reports of shots being fired.
“Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended assisted by multiple resources across the city.
“A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place.
“A multi-agency response is continuing. An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now under way.”
Hero ‘tackled gunman’
Footage shows a “hero” tackling one of the gunmen and taking the gun off him.
A man can be seen running up behind one of the gunmen, wrapping his arms around him and wrestling the gun out of his hands.
The bystander then points the gun at the gunman, who can be seen backing away, before putting the gun down.
Gunman among dead, say police
According to police, ten people are confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters.
Eleven people are reported injured, including two police officers. The second shooter is said to be in a critical condition.
Israeli president says ‘vile terrorists’ responsible
The Israeli president Isaac Herzog said Jewish people who had gone to light the first candle of the Chanukkah holiday on the beach had been attacked by “vile terrorists”.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told Sky News: “If we were targeted deliberately in this way, it’s something of a scale that none of us could have ever fathomed. It’s a horrific thing.”
He added that his media adviser had been wounded in the attack.
People in park ‘were mown down’
A man taking part in the Chanukkah event told ABC he saw two shooters stood on a small footbridge “mowing down” people who were gathered at a park.
Harry Wilson, a 30-year-old local, told The Sydney Morning Herald he saw at least ten people on the ground and blood everywhere.
Shooters have been ‘neutralised’
There have been multiple fatalities but the two shooters have been “neutralised”, police have said.
New South Wales police said there are multiple fatalities following the shooting but did not provide an exact figure.
Two shooters have been “neutralised” but a police scene remains in place to clear the area of suspected improvised explosive devices, the BBC reported.
Police also said it is not known if the shooting is connected to the Chanukkah event that was taking place.
Albanese describes ‘shocking’ scenes
Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister
LUKAS COCH /REUTERS
Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, said that the scenes in Bondi were “shocking and distressing”.
He added: “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
“We are working with New South Wales police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed.
“I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW police.”
Six taken to hospital after shooting 
The New South Wales ambulance service told the Guardian that paramedics had been treating people on the scene with gunshot injuries.
The spokesman could not say the nature of the injuries or the condition of the people in hospital.
Paramedics were called at 6.45pm local time to reports of multiple people shot.
Chaotic scenes at Bondi with shotgun found
Chaotic scenes of the beach are being shown on Australian television, with police shouting to crowds to make way for multiple groups of people carrying stretchers filled with wounded.
It was reported at 7.40pm that police had taken two people into custody, but it is not known if they include the shooters.
Beachgoers were seen fleeing the scene
A shotgun and several shot gun casings can be seen on the footbridge where the men were arrested by police officers.
A Jewish Chanukkah celebration, “Chanukah by the Sea 2025”, was being held at the Bondi Park Playground at the time of the shooting.
Australian PM: follow police instructions
The Australian prime minister is aware of the incident and is urging people to follow the guidance of police.
A spokesman for Anthony Albanese, the prime minister, said: “We are aware of an active security situation in Bondi. We urge people in the vicinity to follow information from NSW police.”
Two people arrested at Bondi
Two people are in police custody after reports of a mass shooting on Bondi beach.
New South Wales police said: “Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines.”