Overview
- Australian authorities say the shooting targeted Jews at a public menorah-lighting on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, leaving at least 15 people dead and 42 hospitalized.
- Investigators, citing Australian media, identified the suspects as Sajid Akram, 50, who was killed at the scene, and his son, Naveed Akram, 24, who is in critical condition.
- Eli Schlanger, 41, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event, was among those killed, according to USA TODAY.
- Police and officials in New York, London, Berlin, Paris, and other cities increased patrols and protective measures around synagogues and Hanukkah events, with some Jewish groups advising preregistration and access controls for gatherings.
- Jewish leaders link the attack to a documented surge in antisemitism since 2023, citing ADL data showing threats spiking, even as communities hold vigils and press governments to adopt stronger security and policy steps.