Australian authorities have confirmed that a deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach was an antisemitic terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State ideology. The assault, which occurred on Sunday 15 December 2025, claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including a ten-year-old girl.
Attack Details and Police Response
The gunmen, identified as father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, opened fire at the 'Chanukah by the Sea' event. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has staunchly defended the police response, rejecting claims of failure as disrespectful to officers who risked their lives. Two officers were shot and remain in critical care.
"The New South Wales police acted with bravery and integrity," Minns stated. "They engaged the gunmen on the footbridge with handguns... The offenders had long-range rifles and New South Wales police officers were responsible for killing one of them and shooting the other one and as a result saving many people’s lives." He emphasised the officers were "shot in the front," not while fleeing.
ISIS Links and International Investigation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack appeared "meticulous, calculated, cold-blooded" and was motivated by extremist beliefs. Officials revealed that homemade ISIS flags and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in a car registered to one of the attackers.
It has also emerged that 24-year-old Naveed Akram was investigated for six months in 2019 by ASIO, Australia's domestic intelligence agency, over links to a Sydney-based ISIS cell. No evidence of planned violence was found at that time. Furthermore, NSW Police confirmed the pair travelled to the Philippines in the month before the attack, with authorities there now investigating the purpose of the visit, which may have involved "military-style training."
Victims, Heroes, and International Repercussions
The victims included a rabbi, a Holocaust survivor, and a ten-year-old girl. Fourteen people died at the scene, with a 40-year-old man succumbing to his injuries later in hospital.
Prime Minister Albanese hailed a man named Ahmed al Ahmed, who tackled one of the gunmen, as a "true Australian hero." Ahmed, who is recovering in hospital and requires further surgery, was described as representing "the best of our country."
The attack has sent shockwaves internationally. In the UK, the chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism warned that British Jews fear further attacks. In response, British Transport Police will increase patrols, particularly around Hanukkah celebrations, to provide reassurance. Labour leader Keir Starmer warned the Bondi attack was "not an isolated incident."
As floral tributes accumulate at Bondi Pavilion, the focus in Australia turns to improving security and rebuilding trust with the Jewish community in the wake of this profound tragedy.
