A brutal gun‑fire attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach during the first night of Chanukah left 12 dead and 29 wounded, as witnesses recount harrowing scenes and attempts to rescue victims.
Witness Testimony of the Bondi Beach Shooting
ABC journalist spoke with a witness of the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. The man said he tried to flee the scene quickly to protect his family. He noted that the shooting lasted roughly ten minutes and described it as “real hell on earth.” He added that he saw people lying in puddles of blood.
Another man, present when the gunfire began, told WA Today reporters that people started running and screaming. At one point he saw two children, about five‑six years old, hiding behind a car. He heard them say, “My mother, my mother.” He then spotted their mother, lying under the vehicle, shot in the neck and arm. He began administering first aid while waiting for an ambulance.
Details of the Bondi Beach Shooting
Two gunmen opened fire on crowds gathered on Bondi Beach in Sydney on the first night of the Jewish holiday Chanukah. Twelve people were killed and 29 wounded. Police fatally shot one gunman and severely injured the other. Investigators are checking whether anyone else participated.
Australian police declared the incident a terrorist attack and stressed that this is not a time for vengeance, insisting that officers must be allowed to perform their duties. While it is unclear whether the attackers were motivated by anti‑Semitic sentiments, Israeli authorities condemned the shooting. President Isaac Herzog called it a “horrific attack” on Jews and urged Australian authorities to strengthen the fight against anti‑Semitism. A similar appeal came from the head of Israeli diplomacy.
Polish Government Condemns the Attack
Polish authorities condemned the attack in Australia, drawing worldwide attention. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on social media that Poland condemns the attack and expresses full solidarity with the victims. “We always oppose violence against innocent people, regardless of its motivation,” wrote Maciej Wewiór. He added that the Australian attack proves that hatred breeds violence and terror.
The head of government also sent condolences to the families of the victims. “Anti‑Semitism wherever it appears leads to crimes. Today Poland stands in solidarity with the grief‑stricken Australia,” wrote Donald Tusk.
