The Sydney attack comes just over two months since the Manchester synagogue attack on October 2, on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur
13:14, 14 Dec 2025Updated 13:19, 14 Dec 2025
Emergency workers transport a person on a stretcher after a reported shooting at Bondi Beach (Image: AP)
Manchester’s Jewish community leaders are reacting to the scenes of horror at one of Australia’s most famous beaches – in an attack that leaders say was ‘designed to attack Sydney’s Jewish community’.
Twelve people have died following a shooting incident, now declared a terrorist attack by police, at at Jewish Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach in Sydney. New South Wales Police warned the public on Sunday that two people with guns had reportedly opened fire on people.
Ten people were confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the gunmen, the force said. The second alleged gunman is in critical condition, police added. People were advised to avoid the area and take shelter as police responded.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns told a press conference: “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”
Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day festival of light usually observed in December. The Sydney attack comes just over two months since the Manchester synagogue attack in Heaton Park on October 2, on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, prompting Manchester’s Jewish community to share its devastation at the news.
Marc Levy, the Chief Executive of the Jewish Representative Council for Greater Manchester, told the Manchester Evening News this morning: “We are still dealing with the grief and trauma of the terrorist attack in Manchester on another of our festivals. We’re shocked but no one’s surprised.
“People are being radicalised in their own homes about a conflict two-and-a-half thousand miles away to hate Jews, and targeting Jews all around the world trying to celebrate our historic festivals.”
On the Manchester Jewish community’s fears they might face another attack, Mr Levy said: “It’s not inconceivable. It’s happened once, there’s no reason why it couldn’t happen again.
“People aren’t stupid. I understand completely why people will be scared. I was supposed to be going to a menorah lighting with my children, I’ve got to go because of my role but I’m not going to take my children now.
“It’s not for me to tell people what to do.”
Marc Levy speaking during the memorial to mark one week since the terror attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in October
Still, Mr Levy shared his hopes that the Jewish community will come together in the wake of another nightmare as there is a ‘determination to continue on’ amid the fear.
“We need to try and be strong and to celebrate our contribution to Manchester and wider society,” he explained. “There is a public menorah lighting in Manchester tonight, and a lighting at the Heaton Park Synagogue, where the Manchester terror attack happened, tomorrow.
“Everything is still going ahead.”
The Metropolitan Police says it is increasing its visibility in Jewish communities ahead of any Hanukkah events in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack, the mayor of London has said.
Minns, the premier of New South Wales, also said: “Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight.
“I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.
“It’s a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.”
Rabbi Daniel Walker and King Charles III view floral tributes during a visit to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on October 20(Image: Getty Images)
Footage posted on social media appeared to show a man tackling another with a gun at the beach before wrestling the weapon away from him.
The gunman then appears to back away as the person who grabbed him points the shotgun at him in a car park. The man who intervened, wearing a white T-shirt, is then seen raising his hand before resting the gun against a tree.
‘Several improvised explosive devices’ have been found in a car at Bondi Beach linked to the deceased gunman, New South Wales Police commissioner Mal Lanyon also told a press conference in Sydney.
Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, told a press conference in Canberra that the Bondi Beach attack was “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism”.
He said: “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.
“An act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation, an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated on this attack on our way of life.
“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.
“Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith at this dark moment for our nation.
“Our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage.”