What began as a peaceful Hanukkah gathering on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches ended in bloodshed and terror.
Two gunmen stormed the annual Chanukah by the Sea celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, as members of Sydney’s Jewish community gathered to light the first candle of the menorah. By night’s end, 16 people were dead, including a Holocaust survivor, a rabbi, and a child. One of the suspected attackers was also killed, while another remains in critical condition, according to New South Wales Police.
Authorities have confirmed the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism, with police saying the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community.
Gal Gadot: “My Heart Is Shattered”
As news of the massacre spread around the world, voices from Hollywood and beyond reacted with grief, anger, and calls for unity.
Gal Gadot shared an emotional message on Instagram, writing, “My heart is shattered. Following the anti-Semitic terror attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, the grief is immense. Fifteen innocent souls – including a Holocaust survivor, a rabbi and a child – were senselessly murdered while celebrating the first night of Chanukah, the Festival of Light.”
She continued with a message of resolve amid despair, saying, “This darkness deliberately struck at a sacred moment of community and hope. It is easy to feel defeated. But let us be clear: our strength is not in despair, but in the light we fiercely choose to create in this terrible void.
“We must honor the victims not with silence, but by demanding a world where every life is safe, and by choosing empathy and unity above all else.”
Gadot urged people to respond with compassion rather than fear, writing, “Send light into the darkness. Let’s make sure love is the loudest voice. I will light my Chanukah candle tonight in their honor and for a world of light. Only light.”
“We must honor the victims not with silence, but by demanding a world where every life is safe, and by choosing empathy and unity above all else.”
— Gal Gadot
Ashton Kutcher Warns of the Cost of Hate
Ashton Kutcher echoed those sentiments in a message posted to X, pointing directly at the consequences of unchecked antisemitism.
“Antisemitic rhetoric is not abstract—it carries a cost, and my brothers and sisters continue to pay it,” Kutcher wrote. “May this devastation somehow spark a hidden miracle, one our eyes do not yet have the merit to see.”
“Antisemitic rhetoric is not abstract—it carries a cost, and my brothers and sisters continue to pay it.”
— Ashton Kutcher
Rebel Wilson: “It’s Not Us”
Australian actress Rebel Wilson reacted with shock and disbelief, calling the attack deeply uncharacteristic of her country.
“Just waking up to the news about what’s happened on Bondi Beach. An absolute tragedy that is the most un-Australian thing to have happen,” she wrote on Instagram Stories. “We shouldn’t have gun violence in Australia, we shouldn’t have antisemitism – it’s not us! Thinking of everyone affected by this devastating violence.”
Sara Foster: “Prayers Aren’t Enough”
Actress Sara Foster delivered one of the strongest rebukes, arguing that symbolic gestures and silence have failed Jewish communities.
“What did we expect? We have sat back dismissing hate crimes against Jewish people, swastikas on pre schools, college campuses turned into antisemitic indoctrination institutions, the refusal to condemn ‘globalize the intifada’ by American politicians, the acceptance of people who openly chant for the death of Jews(and the west), invited terrorists who have told us they hate us to live amongst us, and shamed the people who have spoken against it,” she wrote.
Foster concluded with a blunt call to action, saying, “Well we have had enough. We have had ENOUGH. Praying for the innocent families in Australia isn’t enough. WAKING up to what is happening is the only option.”
“Praying for the innocent families in Australia isn’t enough. WAKING up to what is happening is the only option.”
— Sara Foster
World Leaders Respond as Investigation Continues
Police were first called to the scene around 6:45 p.m. Sunday. Investigators say at least two gunmen were involved and are examining whether a third attacker may have played a role. At least 29 people were hospitalized, including two police officers injured while responding.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the attack while speaking at an event in Jerusalem, saying, “At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach.
“Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives.”
King Charles III also issued a statement condemning the violence and praising first responders.
“My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach,” the royal family said. “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community. We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
Officials say this is the deadliest attack against a Jewish community since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks.
