The “Chanukah by the Sea” event, meant to celebrate faith and community, turned into a scene of terror when two gunmen—a father and son from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s west—opened fire shortly after 6:40 pm on Sunday
In the fading light of Monday evening, Australians returned to Bondi Beach, lighting candles, singing, and standing together in a show of solidarity after the country’s deadliest antisemitic attack. The horrific shooting at a Hanukkah celebration claimed 15 lives, including a 10-year-old girl, a London-born rabbi whose fifth child was born just two months ago, and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor.
The “Chanukah by the Sea” event, meant to celebrate faith and community, turned into a scene of terror when two gunmen—a father and son from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s west—opened fire shortly after 6:40 pm on Sunday. Sajid Akram (50), licensed to own six firearms, was shot dead by police, while his son Naveed (24) was critically injured and remains under police guard.
Amid the grief, Australians lit candles across Sydney and nationwide. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged citizens to participate, saying, “I would … join with others who have urged Australians across the country to light a candle, put it in their front window … to show that light will indeed defeat darkness – part of what Hanukah celebrates. We are stronger than the cowards who did this.”
The attack, captured in almost its entirety on mobile phone footage, saw the gunmen taking positions on a footbridge overlooking the beach, targeting crowds celebrating Hanukkah. Heroic bystanders helped rescue victims, demonstrating courage amidst chaos.
Disclaimer: The video contains disturbing visuals. Viewer discretion is advised.
🚨 #TerrorAttack | As it happened.
📍 Bondi Beach, #Bondi, 🇭🇲Indiscriminate shooting of civilians.
1 suspect shot dead, 1 suspect in custody. pic.twitter.com/QzQ2zFmO72
— 🇬🇧 Matt Blac Inc. #BeaVoice 🇺🇸 #Helpfindme 🌏 (@MattBlacInc) December 14, 2025
Australia to push for stricter gun laws
In response, Albanese convened a meeting with state leaders to introduce stricter gun control measures. Proposed reforms include limiting the number of firearms an individual can own and conducting regular audits of existing licences. “People’s circumstances can change. People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licences should not be in perpetuity,” he said.
Communities across Australia have also used symbols of light to express defiance against hate. The Hanukkah menorah was projected onto the Sydney Opera House, while candles, flowers, and messages of solidarity appeared across homes and public spaces.
How did one civilian’s courage help prevent more deaths?
When the firing started at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, one man didn’t run for cover. He ran towards the danger. He wasn’t a police officer or part of any security team, but an ordinary Australian who found himself in an extraordinary moment.
That man was Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old shop owner. With no protective gear and little time to think, Ahmed charged at one of the shooters and managed to wrestle the weapon away, an act authorities say helped prevent further loss of life.
A man who disarmed a terrorist has been identified as a Muslim named Ahmed Al Ahmad during an attack on a Jewish event in Sydney.
He prevented further harm to Jews. pic.twitter.com/OvU0y0iQq4
— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) December 14, 2025
The bravery came at a cost. Ahmed was shot twice during the struggle and was rushed to hospital, where he remains under medical care.
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