Father-Son Gunmen Kill 15 at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Event
Monday, December 15, 2025
Terrorist attack targets Jewish celebration in Australia's deadliest mass shooting in decades
Two gunmen opened fire on hundreds gathered for a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, killing at least 15 people including a 10-year-old child and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. Police identified the attackers as a 50-year-old father, who was shot dead by officers, and his 24-year-old son, now hospitalized and facing charges. The massacre, which Australia's Prime Minister labeled an act of antisemitic terrorism, left 38-42 people hospitalized and came amid a surge in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. A heroic bystander, fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, tackled one gunman and wrestled away his weapon, saving countless lives.
Key Facts
- 15 people killed, ages 10 to 87, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman
- 38-42 people hospitalized, several in critical condition
- Attack occurred at 6:45 PM local time during Chanukah by the Sea event
- 50-year-old father killed by police held recreational hunting license for 10 years and owned 6 firearms
- Two rudimentary improvised explosive devices found at scene and rendered safe
- Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996 Port Arthur massacre that killed 35
- Antisemitic incidents in Australia increased threefold after October 7, 2023