Overview
- Australian authorities say two gunmen attacked a public menorah-lighting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 and injuring more than 40, with one assailant shot dead by police and the other detained in critical condition.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the assault as antisemitic terrorism, as investigators examine the suspects, described by officials as a father–son pair.
- Jewish officials identified Rabbi Eli Schlanger among the dead, video showed civilian Ahmed al Ahmed tackling a shooter, and local reports named one suspect as 24-year-old Naveed Akram.
- Law enforcement and Jewish federations across the United States and Canada announced increased patrols and security at menorah lightings, synagogues and schools, despite no specific threats cited in many cities.
- Rabbis and community leaders urged resilience and public observance, holding vigils from New York to Los Angeles and emphasizing Hanukkah’s message of bringing light in the face of hatred.