Bondi Beach Hanukkah Shooting

On the evening of December 14, 2025, a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney turned into a scene of horror. Two gunmen opened fire on a crowded “Chanukah by the Sea” event. Over the ensuing minutes, at least 15 people were killed (plus one of the gunmen), and dozens were wounded as panicked beachgoers fled. Victims ranged in age from children to seniors – police later confirmed the dead were aged 10 to 87 – and included a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor. Two police officers on the scene were also shot and remain in the hospital. Video and witness accounts describe the assailants firing from an elevated concrete bridge while attendees screamed and scattered.

New South Wales Police identified the shooters as Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24). Sajid Akram, a licensed gun owner, was killed on-site by officers (his six legally held firearms were later seized ). Naveed Akram was critically wounded and hospitalised. The pair are reported to have left improvised explosive devices in a parked car before the shooting. Police confirmed there were only two attackers and ruled out a third person. One bystander – identified as Ahmed al-Ahmad – wrestled a rifle from a gunman but was himself shot while saving others. The Sydney coroner later deemed the attack a mass shooting; Australian authorities are treating it as an antisemitic terrorist act, given its targeting of Jewish worshippers.

Australian Government Response

Australian leaders united in shock and vowed action. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the massacre “a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy”. At an emergency press conference, he added, “The Jewish community are hurting today. Today, all Australians wrap our arms around them and say, ‘We stand with you… We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism. It is a scourge, and we will eradicate it together.’” Albanese convened a snap National Cabinet meeting, after which federal and state leaders agreed to overhaul Australia’s gun laws. They committed to renegotiate the landmark National Firearms Agreement (in place since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre) and consider measures such as a national firearms register, tighter licensing, limits on the number of guns per person, and restrictions on citizen-only licensing. As Albanese noted, “People’s circumstances can change… Licences should not be in perpetuity”. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also signalled a pending firearms bill, asking rhetorically why anyone “not involved in agriculture” would need “massive weapons” with “no practical use” in the community.

Albanese also addressed broader security concerns. He said Australian intelligence had briefly investigated the younger suspect in 2019 over potential Islamist ties but found “no indication of any ongoing threat”. In the aftermath, law enforcement intensified counter-terror efforts. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) was already probing extremist speech online, and the government announced a review of hate-speech laws. Foreign governments weighed in as well: U.S. leaders condemned the attack as “purely antisemitic” (former President Trump) , and Israel’s government called on Australia to do more against rising antisemitism.

UK Reaction and Security Measures

The massacre in Sydney prompted an immediate outpouring of solidarity and security vigilance in the UK. Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla issued a joint statement saying they were “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” on Jewish people at the Chanukah celebration. Their message added, “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected… We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror”. Prince William and Princess Kate also expressed condolences on social media.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the assault “sickening” and pledged that his government would work with community security experts. Starmer said he has been in contact with the Community Security Trust (CST) and law enforcement about enhanced protection for Jewish venues. In response, police forces across the UK have visibly increased patrols around synagogues and other Jewish sites. Scotland Yard confirmed it had stepped up police presence at London synagogues and Chanukah events. Similarly, Police Scotland said teams would patrol Jewish institutions under a special Hanukkah security plan. All UK police stressed there was no specific intelligence of a new threat, but warned that the “heightened concern” was warranted. As London’s Metropolitan Police Commissioner noted, tens of thousands of Jews are celebrating Hanukkah this week, and “the British public will be heartened” by a strong security response.

The UK government also moved to reassure communities. Home Secretary and other ministers reiterated that Britain would do “whatever is necessary” to protect Jewish people. Opponents of extremist violence pledged unity: for example, the Local Government Association (representing UK councils) issued a statement saying the attack “horrified everyone” and promising full support “to everyone impacted… and to all who have been affected in our own Jewish communities across the country” . Notably, the LGA highlighted the heroism of a bystander of Muslim-Syrian background who fought back against a gunman, saying “courage and humanity transcend faith and background, and…standing together against such hatred is the only way forward” .

Statements from UK Jewish Organisations

Jewish communal leaders in the UK united in grief and resolve. The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was “devastated” and immediately offered solidarity and support to the Jewish community in Australia. The Board confirmed it was coordinating with the Australian Executive Council of Jewish Communities and with the UK government on the response, noting that “the scourges of terrorism and antisemitism are shared international challenges” requiring concerted action. A Board spokesperson stressed that British Jews intend to “celebrate Chanukah safely and proudly,” vowing, “We will defeat this darkness with our light”.

Similarly, the Community Security Trust (CST), which oversees UK Jewish security, immediately convened meetings with police and community leaders. CST confirmed it is reviewing security at all upcoming Chanukah events and public menorah lightings, and advising congregations on vigilance and emergency preparedness. The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) – an umbrella body for Jewish charities and leaders – said it was “devastated and angered” by the massacre and was working closely with law enforcement. The JLC’s chief emphasised that security would be “maximised” at this week’s public menorah lighting in London’s Trafalgar Square and similar events.

On the religious front, the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described the “unspeakable atrocity” as “absolutely heartbreaking” and called for prayers for the injured. The two co-leaders of Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, said they were “shocked and heartbroken” and sent “deepest condolences” to the victims’ families. They noted poignantly that an event meant for “light, gathering and celebration” had turned into violence. They urged Jews everywhere to hold fast to hope, saying they “stand in solidarity” and that “the light and resilience of Chanukah will endure even in the darkest moments”.

Other Jewish groups and federations across the UK echoed these statements. The Conference of European Rabbis (based in London) decried the “murderous attack” on Jews, and Jewish federations sent messages of unity. Many synagogues held emergency meetings or vigil events (in accordance with police guidance) to offer support and reassurance to congregants. Overall, UK Jewish organisations stressed solidarity with their Australian counterparts while bolstering their own communal security and care.

Chabad’s Statement on Hanukkah

Chabad-Lubavitch, the Jewish outreach movement that organised the Bondi event, released poignant remarks highlighting the tragedy’s symbolism. The attack struck on the first night of Hanukkah, when Jews light candles to celebrate hope and light. Chabad noted that the annual “Chanukah on the Beach” had become a “crown jewel of the Sydney Jewish community,” attracting thousands for family-friendly festivities. Its statement mourned the loss of Rabbi Eli Schlanger (Bondi’s assistant rabbi and event organiser) and other victims. It recounted the heroism amid horror: one man “heroically charged” a gunman and wrestled away a rifle.

Crucially, Chabad leaders emphasised resilience. A state emergency services volunteer named Vlad, who shielded his 8-year-old son during the shooting, told reporters that he still plans to light Hanukkah candles at home “to keep the show going” – a declaration that “we are not afraid”. This resolve echoes Chabad teachings: even when a festival of light is attacked, the flame endures. Chabad’s global network also echoed this defiance; for example, Chabad emissaries around the world have affirmed that Hanukkah celebrations will continue as planned, underscoring that terror cannot extinguish Jewish unity or joy.

Support and Resilience in UK Communities

In the UK, community and faith groups are rallying to support those affected and to bolster resilience. The Local Government Association’s statement – issued on behalf of all councils – condemned the act as “deeply concerning” and “completely unacceptable,” offering solidarity to all who have been affected by it in our own Jewish communities across the country. Local leaders in cities with significant Jewish populations (from Manchester to Portsmouth) have echoed this message of unity and vigilance, often working with police to ensure communal safety.

Mental health and well-being are also central to the response. Jewish charities and mental health organisations are urging people to look after themselves and each other. The UK’s Jami mental health charity advises individuals to “continue everyday life as best as you possibly can” despite feeling anxiety or fear. They remind communities that synagogues, schools and security agencies are already stepping up protections. Importantly, Jami stresses the power of connection: simple acts like talking with family and friends, maintaining routines, and caring for one’s physical health can help ground people in traumatic times.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, Jewish and national helplines have offered support. Jami, CST and other groups have circulated resources and helpline numbers for counselling, and general charities such as Mind and the Samaritans are available 24/7. Community leaders encourage people to seek help early, talking to a trusted rabbi, counsellor or friend if they notice prolonged distress.

Finally, organisers caution against misinformation. Rumours and unverified posts can heighten panic, so people are urged to rely on reputable news outlets and official statements (such as government briefings or community bulletins) for accurate updates. As one Jami statement put it, “looking after each other” and staying informed through trusted channels are key to preventing fear from spreading.

In Portsmouth and elsewhere, community forums and neighbourhood groups have echoed these themes of solidarity. Jewish and interfaith coalitions are hosting candlelighting vigils and support circles. Municipal leaders stress that Jewish residents have every right to feel safe celebrating Hanukkah and that the city stands with them in grief. As the Local Government Association observed, the attacker’s hatred “has no place in our society” – and the path forward is through collective courage, unity and mutual care.

Key Reactions and Responses:

• Australian PM Albanese: Called it “an antisemitic terror attack” on Hanukkah; vowed to “stamp out antisemitism” and lead a gun law overhaul.

• New South Wales Police: Confirmed 15 victims (plus one shooter); outlined investigation findings (two offenders, 6 guns, IEDs).

• King Charles and UK Leaders: Described the attack as “appalling” and “sickening”; pledged solidarity.

• UK Police: Stepped up security at synagogues/Hanukkah events.

• Board of Deputies/CST/JLC: Expressed devastation and solidarity; coordinating increased security for UK Jews.

• Chabad: Emphasised Hanukkah’s message of light; highlighted bravery and vowed continuity of celebrations.

• Community Groups: Councils and charities offered support, advising people to stay connected and seek help; they celebrated the heroism and unity transcending faith.

This tragedy – the deadliest antisemitic attack in Australia in decades – has reverberated globally. But responses in Australia, the UK, and beyond have underscored a common resolve: to stand with the Jewish community, to refuse to be divided, and to preserve the light of Hanukkah even amid darkness.