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At least 11 people were killed and nearly 30 wounded in a shooting at a Hanukah event in Sydney. The attack targeted the Jewish community and has been declared a terrorist incident.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 15, 2025 00:01 IST
At least 11 people were killed and nearly 30 others were wounded after two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday. One of the attackers was also killed at the scene while a second shooter is in critical condition.
Authorities designated the shooting a "terrorist" attack, saying it was "designed to target Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah".
VICTIMS IDENTIFIED
London-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was confirmed among the dead. The father-of-five served as Assistant Rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and had grown up in Temple Fortune, north London, reported Jewish News. His first cousin, Brighton-based Rabbi Zalman Lewis, 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?"
Australian media outlets also reported the death of Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, who had been attending the celebration. Both men were among twelve deaths listed by community police, which include one of the gunmen.
The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed that an Israeli citizen was among those killed, though the individual has not been named.
The Jerusalem Post said one of its contributors, Arsen Ostrovsky, head of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Sydney office, was wounded.
He later wrote to The Jerusalem Post: "(I'm) in (the) hospital recovering now. Bullet grazed head. Lot of bleeding. Doctors said miracle survived, was that close. Have been stitched up now." He described the scene as "absolute bloodbath, children and elderly everywhere" but said it was "incredible seeing how everyone rushed to help".
A 43-year-old fruit shop owner, Ahmed al Ahmed, from the Sutherland Shire who confronted one of the attackers, remains in hospital with bullet wounds to his arm and hand. His relative told Seven News that he is recovering well.
One of the gunmen involved in the deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, as investigations continue into one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in recent years.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed his support for the Jewish community.
"As Prime Minister, I say on behalf of all Australians to the Jewish community: We stand with you," Albanese said. We embrace you, and we reaffirm tonight that you have every right to be proud of who you are and what you believe."
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Published On:
Dec 15, 2025
