There were already concerns about attacks against the Jewish community in Australia. Following Israel's actions in Gaza, there had been an increase in incidents targeting the Jewish community. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had even warned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the rise of antisemitism. The Sydney attack proved these fears to be true. Panic erupted on the beach after the terrorist attack, with people who had gathered to celebrate fleeing for their lives.
Netanyahu said on Sunday that he had warned his Australian counterpart that the country's policies were fueling antisemitism. He called the shooting a brutal murder and said that antisemitism spreads when leaders remain silent. He added, "You have to take action instead of showing weakness." This is not the first incident of antisemitism in Australia. Aggression against Jews began in October 2023, after Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,200 people. Just days later, an inverted red triangle was spray-painted on the front of a Jewish bakery in Sydney.
When Israel launched its retaliatory military operation against Hamas, antisemitic incidents intensified. This trend continued, with attacks on Jewish-owned businesses and offensive graffiti appearing on walls. Following these incidents, Jewish parents became afraid to send their children to daycare. Several Jewish schools have implemented additional security measures. Given the situation, the Australian government appointed its first special envoy to combat antisemitism last year.
Australia has a total population of 27 million, with approximately 150,000 members of the Jewish community. This community is small in number but deeply integrated into society. It is estimated that about one-third of them live in Sydney's eastern suburbs, including the Bondi area. A man near the scene of Sunday's attack said that being Jewish has become incredibly challenging in recent years. He said that perhaps one day they will have to go to Israel. Israel now seems to be the only safe place in the world for Jews.
The terrorist who attacked Jews on the Australian coast has been identified as Naveed Akram. According to media reports, 24-year-old Akram is originally from Lahore, Pakistan. He was a student at the Al-Murad Institute in Sydney. His driver's license is circulating online, showing him wearing a Pakistani cricket jersey. Police raided his home. Akram is the same terrorist whose weapon was snatched by a man; a video of this incident is also going viral. However, police have not confirmed whether Akram has been apprehended. According to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, the two suspects involved in the shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia are a father and son. At a press conference, he stated that the 50-year-old father was shot and killed by police at the scene, while the son (Akram) is currently in the hospital in serious but stable condition.
Sixteen people were killed in the shooting by two terrorists while people were celebrating a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach. Forty people, including police officers, were injured. The Australian government has declared it a terrorist attack. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said that it was a targeted incident and that the nature of the weapons used led to the massacre being declared a terrorist attack. Police said the attack occurred at 2:17 PM Indian time (7:47 PM Australian time). Police said that expert officers are investigating several suspicious items found in the area around the scene, including a homemade bomb found in the suspects' car.
Children and the elderly were targeted.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the shooting occurred on the first evening of the eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Gunmen opened fire as hundreds of people gathered on the beach for an event marking the start of a Jewish festival. An eyewitness said the attackers indiscriminately targeted children and the elderly. Another witness described seeing people lying on the ground and blood everywhere.
Videos of the attack go viral
Several videos related to the attack are going viral on social media. One shows people on the beach and nearby running in panic as gunshots and police sirens can be heard. Another shows a man firing a gun from a pedestrian bridge. Another video shows uniformed police officers subduing two men on a small pedestrian bridge. The officers appear to be trying to revive one of the men.
Sydney targeted again after 11 years
The attack comes almost 11 years after a lone gunman held 18 people hostage at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney. Two hostages and the gunman were killed after a 16-hour standoff.
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