Overview
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the Bondi Beach attack as antisemitic terrorism following a mass shooting at a public Hanukkah celebration.
- Police said two suspects opened fire at the 'Chanukah by the Sea' event, with officers killing one alleged gunman and wounding the other, who is hospitalized as the investigation continues.
- Authorities reported multiple deaths and injuries, turning the first night of the eight‑day festival into one of the country's deadliest shootings in decades.
- Jewish communities continued Hanukkah observances with public menorah lightings that honored the victims and emphasized resilience, including events in Des Moines and across the Phoenix area.
- Coverage also explained the holiday’s meaning, noting Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of oil reflected in nightly menorah lightings with a shamash candle.