Sydney Hanukkah Attack: 15 Dead in Antisemitic Assault

An Australian government inquiry has recommended that authorities prioritize gun reform following a mass shooting that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, led by Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell, released an interim report on April 30, 2026. The report contains 14 recommendations, five of which were not made public due to national security classifications. Among the primary recommendations is the call for federal and state governments to prioritize the implementation of a gun buyback and the establishment of nationally consistent gun laws.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his government has agreed to implement all recommendations that are relevant to federal authorities.

The Bondi Beach Attack

The inquiry was established following a mass shooting on December 14, 2025, at Bondi Beach, where two gunmen opened fire during a Jewish event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. New South Wales Police reported that at least 15 people were killed and 42 others were injured, including two police officers. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87.

Eli Schlanger, an assistant Rabbi with the Jewish organization Chabad, which hosted the event, was among those killed in the attack.

Authorities identified the gunmen as Sajid and Naveed Akram, a father and son. Sajid Akram, an Indian-born Australian permanent resident, was a licensed shooter who legally owned the six firearms recovered from the scene. He was shot dead by police during the incident. His son, Naveed, was wounded and hospitalized.

The federal government has proposed new restrictions that would ban individuals from holding a gun license if they are not Australian citizens. Under these proposed rules, Sajid Akram would have been ineligible to hold a license.

Terrorism and Rising Antisemitism

Officials designated the shooting as a terrorism event, stating that the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group. Prime Minister Albanese described the event as an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism and an act of terrorism. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stated the attack was specifically designed to target the Jewish community in Sydney.

The Royal Commission’s report highlighted a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023.

The report further noted that an attack on Iran by the United States and Israel in February 2026 was likely to have increased the risk of attacks directed at the Australian Jewish community.