A devastating shooting incident has shaken Sydney, with 12 fatalities reported at the popular Bondi Beach on Sunday during a Hanukkah observance. The violent act disrupted the “Chanukah by the Sea” gathering, where Jewish residents were celebrating the start of their religious festival.
Initial reports and video evidence indicate that at least two gunmen, dressed in dark clothing, opened fire from an overpass. The weapons used appeared to be rifles, aimed at the crowd congregating near the Bondi Pavilion.
One of the victims has been identified as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who served Chabad of Bondi. He was deeply respected as a husband and father within the community and is mourned by his wife and four children.
Police confronted the attackers, fatally wounding one at the scene. Another suspect was detained and is in critical condition. Australian media has tentatively identified one of the alleged gunmen as Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old man of Pakistani origin who worked as a bricklayer in Sydney and had reportedly been laid off.
A remarkable act of civilian heroism saw Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit vendor and father of two, grapple with one of the assailants and disarm him of a rifle. Al Ahmed was shot twice but is in stable condition and scheduled for surgery.
Condemnation of the attack has been widespread, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly denouncing the violence and expressing condolences to those affected by the tragedy.