A violent attack at a Sydney Hanukkah celebration has left 12 people dead and dozens hospitalized, police reported Sunday evening. The shooting occurred during a large gathering at Bondi Beach for the Chanukah by the Sea event.
Authorities discovered multiple improvised explosive devices in a vehicle near the scene of the attack. A bomb disposal unit is currently on-site to address the threat.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, stating: “At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach. Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives.”
Footage circulating online showed Ahmed El Ahmad disarming one shooter while being fired upon by another gunman. The hero was struck twice but is expected to recover.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the incident as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.” State Premier Chris Minns stated: “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community.”
Chabad identified Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event, as one of the deceased.
The attack took place during the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival. Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish movement known for outreach to non-religious Jews, runs centers worldwide and often sponsors large public events.
Onlookers captured video of two gunmen firing from a bridge with long guns. A television broadcast showed an individual tackling and disarming one attacker before pointing the weapon at him.
