Australia is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack that targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, leaving the nation in mourning and prompting urgent political and community responses.
The attack
Gunfire erupted at approximately 6.45pm on Sunday during a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, when a father and son opened fire on the crowd from a nearby pedestrian bridge. Fifteen people were killed at the scene, with a further victim later confirmed dead, bringing the total death toll to 16.
Police shot and killed the father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, during the incident. His son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was critically injured and remains in hospital in a coma. Authorities have ruled out the involvement of any additional offenders.
The attack has been described by police as a deliberate act of antisemitic violence.
Casualties and hospitalisations
More than 40 people were injured in the shooting. As of Tuesday morning, NSW Health confirmed that 25 patients remain in hospital across Sydney, with several in critical or serious condition.
Among the injured are two NSW Police officers – Constable Scott Dyson and Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert – who were responding to the unfolding attack.
Sydney shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed has been widely praised for his bravery after tackling one of the gunmen and wrestling a firearm away during the attack. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains in recovery.
Victims identified
Those killed include members of the Jewish community and bystanders, among them local rabbis, community leaders, elderly attendees and a 10-year-old girl, Matilda, whose death has deeply shaken the nation.
Other victims identified include Randwick Rugby Club figure and former police officer Peter Meagher, Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, Slovak-Australian grandmother Marika Pogany, French national Dan Elkayam, businessman Reuven Morrison, great-grandfather Tibor Weitzen, and Rabbis Eli Schlanger and Yaakov Halevi Levitan.
Community response to Matilda’s death
The death of 10-year-old Matilda has drawn particular anguish. Federation of Community Language Schools President Lucia Johns described her loss as “a tragedy for her family and for the entire community”, noting that her “future was stolen by a vicious act of terrorism”.
Federation CEO Michael Christodoulou AM extended condolences to the Jewish community and encouraged public support for a GoFundMe appeal established to assist Matilda’s mother.
“The Jewish community is a rock-solid component of the New South Wales society and deserves the support of every citizen of our state,” Mr Christodoulou said.
The alleged perpetrators
Sajid Akram legally owned six firearms and was a member of a recreational gun club. He arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998 and later transitioned to a partner visa.
His son, Naveed, was born in Australia and had previously come to the attention of ASIO in 2019, though he was assessed at the time as not posing an ongoing threat.
Investigators have confirmed the weapons used were legally registered.
Political response and gun law reform
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency meeting of National Cabinet, securing agreement from states and territories to pursue stronger gun laws. Proposed measures include tighter licensing conditions, enhanced checks, and renewed scrutiny of firearm ownership limits.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has indicated he will recall state parliament early to fast-track gun law reforms, stating that existing arrangements are “no longer fit for purpose”.
National mourning and solidarity
In a powerful public tribute, the Sydney Opera House was illuminated with a menorah in honour of the victims and to mark Hanukkah. The Prime Minister also urged Australians to light a candle at 6.47pm as a moment of collective remembrance.
Community and religious leaders across Australia have continued to express solidarity with the Jewish community, condemning antisemitism and calling for unity in the face of hatred.
