Bondi Beach Massacre: Australia’s Deadliest Terror Attack Leaves 15 Dead, Nation in Shock
Published Date: 16th Dec, 2025
Sydney – 17:42 AEDT, December 15, 2025 Australia is reeling from its worst terrorist attack in history after two gunmen opened fire on a crowded Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, killing 15 people and injuring dozens in a matter of minutes.
The victims, including a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and several community leaders, were attending the annual “Chanukah by the Sea” event organized by Chabad of Bondi in Archer Park. Police have confirmed the attack was deliberately targeted at the Jewish community and have classified it as an act of terrorism.
What We Know So Far
- Attackers: Father-and-son duo Sajid Akram (50) and Naveed Akram (24), both Australian citizens of Afghan origin
- Weapons: Legally owned semi-automatic rifles and handguns
- Timeline:
- 18:47 AEDT – Gunmen emerge from footbridge, open fire on the crowd
- 18:50 – One attacker killed by police; second wounded and arrested
- 19:15 – Scene declared safe
- Victims: 15 dead (ages 10–87), 47 injured (12 critical)
- Youngest victim: 10-year-old Matilda Cohen, shot in the chest
- Oldest victim: 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Miriam Goldstein
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Monday morning press conference)
“This was an act of pure evil. Fifteen innocent lives stolen on a night meant for joy and light. We grieve with the Jewish community and with every Australian who has been shattered by this attack.”
Key Developments Since Sunday
- National Security Alert: Level raised to “heightened” across the country
- Gun Law Reforms: Emergency national cabinet meeting Monday agreed to tighten licensing, limit ownership numbers, and fast-track a national firearms register
- Vigils: Thousands gathered at Bondi Beach and Sydney Opera House Monday night, lighting candles and singing “Am Yisrael Chai”
- Blood Donation Record: 52,000 appointments booked nationwide in 24 hours
Public Reaction on X (Top Trends)
- #BondiAttack – 3.2 M posts
- “Matilda Cohen” – 1.1 M
- “Enough is enough” – 987k
- “Gun reform now” – 612k
International Condolences
- US President Donald Trump: “Australia’s pain is our pain. We stand with you.”
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “A murderous attack on Jews anywhere is an attack on Jews everywhere.”
- King Charles: “Deeply appalled and saddened by this horrific act.”
Bottom Line Bondi Beach — Australia’s most famous symbol of freedom and sunshine — was turned into a crime scene on a night meant for celebration. Fifteen families will face Christmas without their loved ones. And a nation that prided itself on being one of the safest in the world is now asking: how did this happen here?
The scars will last a lifetime. So will the questions.
Date: 16th Dec, 2025
