A Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach turned into a massacre after two gunmen opened fire, killing 16 people, including one attacker, and injuring dozens in what authorities call an antisemitic terrorist attack.
Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as families fled and gunfire echoed across the beach, moments after what had been a joyful festival.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as “pure evil” that has forever tarnished an iconic Australian location.
Ten-year-old Matilda later died in hospital, leaving her community devastated. Also killed was Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who shielded his wife during the attack, sacrificing his life to save hers.
The suspects were identified as Sajid Akram, 50, who died at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, who remains in critical condition. Authorities say the pair were driven by extremist ideology, and investigations are ongoing as security is heightened worldwide.