Bondi Beach, Sydney – In a brutal shooting that unfolded on a sunny summer day, a gunman opened fire on a beachfront Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people, including a 10‑year‑old girl, a rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor.
The Massacre
At the end of the day thousands had gathered on Bondi Beach for the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, a family‑friendly celebration featuring food, face painting and a petting zoo. The two shooters fired into the crowd, leaving 15 dead and at least 38 wounded, two of whom were police officers.
Victims
The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87. Names began to surface in news reports: Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and organizer of the Hanukkah event; Dan Elkayam, an Israeli citizen; and Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor whose wife Larisa Kleytman confirmed his death.
Injured
Hospital reports indicate that 38 people were treated for injuries, including two officers. No formal names have been released for the wounded.
The Shooters
Police shot the 50‑year‑old father, who died at the scene, and the 24‑year‑old son, who remains in a coma. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the Australian Security Intelligence Agency had investigated the son for six months in 2019. Albanese said, “He was examined on the basis of being associated with others and the assessment was made that there was no indication of any ongoing threat or threat of him engaging in violence.”
Government Response
Albanese announced proposals to tighten gun laws, including limiting the number of guns a licensed owner can hold and reviewing existing licenses over time. He noted that the older gunman had held a gun licence for a decade and had legally amassed six firearms. “The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” Albanese said.
Proposed Law Overhaul
The nine federal and state leaders agreed to renegotiate the national firearms agreement that virtually banned rapid‑fire rifles after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. They also proposed restricting gun ownership to Australian citizens, which would exclude the older gunman who arrived on a student visa in 1998 and later became a permanent resident. The plans would add “additional use of criminal intelligence” to the criteria for licence eligibility.
NSW Premier’s Statement
Christopher Minns said, “It means introducing a bill to Parliament to — I mean to be really blunt — make it more difficult to get these horrifying weapons that have no practical use in our community.” He added, “If you’re not a farmer, you’re not involved in agriculture, why do you need these massive weapons that put the public in danger and make life dangerous and difficult for New South Wales Police?”
Jewish Community Reaction
Lawrence Stand, who rushed to a bar mitzvah when the shooting began, said, “There’s been a heap of inaction.” Alex Ryvchin, spokesperson for the Australian Council of Executive Jewry, told reporters, “I think when an attack such as what we saw yesterday takes place, the paramount and fundamental duty of government is the protection of its citizens, so there’s been an immense failure.”
Other Key Figures
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke identified Ahmed al Ahmed, a 42‑year‑old fruit shop owner and father of two, who was shot in the shoulder by the other gunman but survived. He was captured on video tackling and disarming one gunman before pointing the weapon at him.
International Context
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of an Israeli citizen, while French President Emmanuel Macron said a French citizen, Dan Elkayam, was among those killed. The Australian government has enacted measures to counter a surge in antisemitism since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 Oct 2023.
Conclusion
The Bondi Beach tragedy has prompted an unprecedented national review of gun laws and heightened scrutiny of antisemitism in Australia. Leaders have pledged immediate action, but the community’s call for stronger safeguards and protection of vulnerable groups remains urgent.
Key Takeaways
- 15 people were killed in the Bondi Beach shooting, including a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor.
- The older gunman held a licence for ten years and owned six firearms legally.
- New gun‑control proposals will limit ownership to Australian citizens and use criminal‑intelligence data in licence decisions.
