At least 15 killed in mass shooting at Hanukkah event on Sydney's Bondi Beach

A mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney left at least 15 people dead and more than 40 hospitalized. The attack occurred on Sunday evening during “Chanukah by the Sea,” an event attended by hundreds of people. Among the victims were a 10-year-old child and a rabbi who helped organize the celebration.

Police confirmed that the attackers were a father and his adult son. The 50-year-old father was shot and killed by police, while the 24-year-old son was wounded and taken to hospital. Authorities said there were no additional suspects. Two police officers were also injured in the shooting.

The incident has been described by Australian officials as a targeted terrorist attack against Jewish Australians. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the violence, stating there was no place for hatred or terrorism in Australia and vowed to eradicate it.

Investigators also found two active improvised explosive devices at the scene. Video footage showed the gunmen firing from a footbridge, and one bystander appeared to tackle and disarm one of the attackers. Mass shootings are rare in Australia due to strict gun control laws introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

The attack triggered international reaction. Israeli leaders accused the Australian government of failing to address rising antisemitism, linking the violence to tensions following the Gaza war. United Nations officials and world leaders condemned the attack, calling it a horrific act of antisemitic violence and urging stronger action against hate crimes.

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/12/14/g-s1-102220/sydney-bondi-beach-hanukkah-shooting

Comprehension

Where and during what event did the mass shooting occur?
Who were identified as the attackers?
How did Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describe the attack?
Why are mass shootings considered rare in Australia?
What international reactions followed the attack?

Discussion

Why might religious or cultural events be targeted in violent attacks?
How can governments better protect minority communities from hate crimes?
Do strict gun laws fully prevent mass violence? Why or why not?
How should political leaders respond after acts of terrorism?
What role does global conflict play in increasing local tensions?

Vocabulary

Antisemitism – hatred or discrimination against Jewish people.
Terrorist attack – violence intended to create fear for political or ideological reasons.
Improvised explosive device (IED) – a homemade bomb.
Condemned – strongly criticized or expressed disapproval.
Scrutiny – close and serious examination.