At least 11 people were killed and several others wounded after a mass shooting targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday. Among the dead was Chabad emissary Rabbi Eli Schlanger, according to Chabad officials. The annual “Hanukkah by the Sea” event had drawn thousands from the Jewish community.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said 12 people had died as of Sunday evening, including one of the suspected attackers. Two individuals were taken into custody. Police confirmed the discovery of improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the deceased shooter.
“We have our rescue bomb disposal unit there,” Lanyon said. “They will take the appropriate action.” Authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack and urged the public to avoid the area as investigations continued and security operations remained active around Bondi Beach.
Community leaders expressed shock and grief following the attack. “This is a day of profound grief,” said Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia. Israeli emergency group ZAKA said it had dispatched a delegation to assist with victim identification and ensure the dignity of the deceased.