A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on December 14, 2025, has been declared a terrorist attack motivated by Islamic State ideology, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration organized by the local Jewish community, resulting in 15 deaths and dozens injured, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of chaos and horror as gunmen opened fire on the festive gathering.
The perpetrators were identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, a fruit shop owner and licensed firearm holder, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, an unemployed bricklayer. Police confirmed that both men had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and that IS flags were found in their vehicle, which also contained improvised explosive devices. Sajid Akram was killed in a shootout with police, while Naveed remains hospitalized under guard. Authorities have stated there is no evidence the attackers were part of a wider extremist cell, but both had previously drawn the attention of Australia’s counterterrorism agencies for their extremist connections.
Prime Minister Albanese condemned the shooting as “an act of malevolent antisemitism” and vowed to confront the hatred that fueled the violence, emphasizing that such acts strike at the heart of Australian values. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians,” Albanese said, promising national unity and increased protection for vulnerable communities. International leaders, including Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, have expressed solidarity and offered condolences to Australia.
Eyewitnesses provided harrowing accounts of the attack. Sarah Frydman, a survivor, described hiding with children as dozens of shots rang out. Others recalled seeing a white car and a gunman moving people aside before opening fire, suggesting the attackers deliberately targeted Jews at the event.
The tragedy has reignited debates about gun control, security at public events, and the persistent threat of extremist ideologies in Australia. Security agencies have raised the national terrorism threat level to “probable,” and officials are urging vigilance while continuing their investigation into the attack.
