At least 12 killed and 29 injured in the Sydney terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Police confirm antisemitic motive targeting Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah.
Sydney Terrorist Attack: 12 Dead, 29 Injured in Ruthless Assault on Jewish Community at Bondi Beach
The Sydney terrorist attack on Sunday night left at least 12 people dead and 29 injured, including two police officers, in what authorities described as a “cowardly and terrifying act of violence” targeting the Jewish community.
The New South Wales Police confirmed that the assault occurred around 6:47 p.m. local time (7:47 GMT) at Archer Park, near Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, where nearly 1,000 people were gathered for a Hanukkah celebration.
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Police Confirm Sydney Terrorist Attack Motive
During a press briefing, Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon formally declared the incident a terrorist act at 9:36 p.m., activating special counterterrorism powers across the state. Two suspected assailants were identified—one was killed on-site and another detained, while investigators search for a possible third suspect.
Authorities also confirmed the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) near the area, prompting bomb squad deployment and extended security measures across the coastal zone.
EFE: Police Confirm Antisemitic Motive in Sydney Terror Attack
Leaders Condemn “Cowardly and Terrifying” Violence
New South Wales Premier Christopher Minns denounced the attack, stating: “What should have been a night of peace and celebration was destroyed by a malicious and horrifying assault.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the Sydney terrorist attack as “distressing and deeply painful,” urging unity against hate-fueled violence.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on Canberra to act decisively against “the rising wave of antisemitism.” Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed condolences, labeling the Bondi Beach scenes “deeply distressing.”
The British Board of Deputies of Jews also expressed solidarity, warning that the event reflected a “global spread of antisemitic extremism.”
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Scene of Chaos and Early Investigation
Footage shared on social media showed attackers dressed in black, shooting indiscriminately as chaos erupted on the beachfront. Civilians were seen fleeing as paramedics tended to victims on the sand.
The police urged residents to avoid the area and seek shelter, labeling the situation “still active and high-risk.” Emergency services, including air ambulances, patrolled the scene until late night.
Graphics disseminated online suggest the attack was carefully premeditated, coinciding with the second night of Hanukkah, a symbolically significant date for Sydney’s Jewish population.
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X (Twitter): NSW Police Statement on Bondi Terror Attack
Expanded Geopolitical Context
The Sydney terrorist attack has drawn international attention to rising antisemitic incidents worldwide and the interconnection between extremist networks. Australia, traditionally distant from Europe and U.S. conflicts, now confronts its first large-scale religiously motivated terror attack in decades.
The global pattern of antisemitic violence
Security analysts point to a global surge in antisemitic rhetoric since the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East. The Bondi assault carries echoes of attacks on synagogues in Pittsburgh, Marseille, and Copenhagen, suggesting copycat patterns fueled by online extremism.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and ASIO are investigating whether the attackers maintained links to foreign extremist cells or local radicalized groups aligned with online propaganda channels. Counterterrorism agencies warned earlier this year about increasing threats to Jewish cultural sites and schools across Sydney and Melbourne.
Diplomatic and political repercussions
The attack may reshape Australia’s security policies and reopen debates on migration, extremism, and online radicalization. Authorities in Israel, the UK, and the United States offered joint intelligence cooperation to trace digital footprints possibly tied to international terrorism networks.
Within Asia-Pacific diplomacy, Israel’s embassy in Canberra urged regional governments to strengthen counterterror collaboration, particularly with Indonesia and the Philippines, where similar radicalized cells operate.
Sputnik: Australia’s Counterterrorism Cooperation After Bondi Attack
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Impact on domestic politics
The tragedy could influence Australia’s internal political landscape. Opposition parties are calling for expanded surveillance powers and community risk profiling, while advocacy groups warn against stigmatizing Muslim and Arab communities.
Human rights observers note that this event could test Australia’s delicate balance between national security and civil liberties as it strengthens its counterterror architecture under pressure from U.S. and U.K. intelligence alliances.
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Regional and Global Reactions
Global institutions such as the United Nations and European Union condemned the Sydney terrorist attack, urging vigilance against extremism targeting religious minorities. The Australian Jewish Association and international organizations called for enhanced protection during holidays and cultural events.
Regional allies including New Zealand and Singapore increased public security levels, signaling concern over potential copycat incidents.
In the Middle East, both Palestinian and Israeli officials expressed sorrow for the victims, though differing narratives surfaced over the politicization of the tragedy.
Protests and vigils spread across Sydney, Melbourne, London, and Tel Aviv under the slogan “Stand Against Fear”, with interfaith leaders calling for unity.
X (Twitter): Candlelight Vigil for Victims in Bondi Beach
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