Australian authorities have described the shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach as a terrorist attack, an event that turned a peaceful celebration into a moment of profound tragedy—and extraordinary heroism.
On December 14, 2025, gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, killing and injuring dozens of people gathered near the shoreline. Amid the chaos, the courageous actions of one civilian, Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Sydney resident, are widely credited with preventing even greater loss of life.
How the Attack Unfolded
The attack occurred in the early evening at Archer Park, adjacent to Bondi Beach, during a “Chanukah by the Sea” event organized by Chabad of Bondi. Nearly 1,000 people had gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah when gunfire erupted.
At approximately 6:47 p.m. local time, emergency services received multiple distress calls reporting shots fired near the Bondi Pavilion. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as families fled, parents shielded children, and beachgoers abandoned belongings in an attempt to escape.
Subsequent video footage confirmed that two armed men dressed in black had positioned themselves on a pedestrian footbridge overlooking the crowd and opened fire on those below.
Authorities later identified the suspects as a father-and-son pair: 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram. The sudden and coordinated nature of the assault shocked the city and left Sydney reeling.
Casualties and Injuries
By the end of the attack, 16 people were confirmed dead, including one of the gunmen, and 43 others were injured. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old and came from diverse backgrounds, many attending the celebration with family and friends.
Among those killed were a 10-year-old girl, Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman, and respected community leader Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Several foreign nationals were also among the victims, highlighting the international impact of the tragedy.
Police confirmed that Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers at the scene, while his son, Naveed Akram, survived and was taken into custody in critical condition.
Terrorism Investigation and Motive
Australian authorities quickly classified the shooting as a terrorist attack motivated by antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, stating that the assault was “designed to target the Jewish community during a religious celebration.”
Investigators later revealed that the suspects had improvised explosive devices inside their vehicle, which fortunately failed to detonate. Law enforcement officials also disclosed that one of the attackers had previously been known to security services, raising questions about intelligence monitoring and threat assessment procedures.
Extraordinary Courage: Ahmed al Ahmed
Amid the terror, one act of bravery stood out.
Verified video footage shows Ahmed al Ahmed sprinting toward one of the shooters, tackling him from behind, and wrestling the weapon away. During the struggle, al Ahmed was shot in the arm and hand, yet he managed to disarm the attacker and push the firearm aside—preventing further bloodshed.
Al Ahmed, a local fruit shop owner and father of two, was unarmed and had no combat training. His decision to intervene was spontaneous, driven by instinct and a determination to protect those around him.
National and International Praise
Al Ahmed’s actions were immediately praised by leaders and officials.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described him as “a genuine hero,” stating that his intervention saved many lives. Prime Minister Albanese echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that al Ahmed’s courage changed the outcome of the attack.
International figures also responded, with global leaders and commentators—including former U.S. President Donald Trump—highlighting al Ahmed’s bravery and expressing solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community.
Recovery and Family Response
After disarming the attacker, al Ahmed was rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery to treat his gunshot wounds. His family has since confirmed that he is recovering steadily following multiple procedures.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his father said he was immensely proud, noting that his son acted without hesitation and without regard for whom he was protecting—only that lives were in danger.
Outpouring of Public Support
In the days following the attack, admiration for al Ahmed turned into global support. A fundraiser launched in his honor quickly surpassed $1.3 million AUD, with donations pouring in from around the world.
Thousands of messages flooded social media, praising his courage and highlighting the unity that emerged amid the tragedy. For many, Ahmed al Ahmed’s actions became a powerful symbol of humanity, bravery, and selflessness in the face of terror.