A man who survived Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel was among those injured in the deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, describing the attack as an “absolute massacre” and a “bloodbath” that left him reliving the horrors he thought he had escaped.
The shooting took place during a Chanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, which authorities have confirmed was the intended target. At least 12 people were killed and around a dozen others were injured when two gunmen opened fire on the crowd gathered to mark the first day of the Jewish festival. One of the attackers was shot dead by police, while the second suspect was arrested. Officials have classified the incident as a terrorist attack.
Speaking to local broadcaster 9News with his face bloodied and a bandage wrapped around his head, the survivor said he was attending the event with his family when gunfire erupted.
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Chaos As Families, Children Flee
“I was here with my family. It was a Hanukkah celebration. There were hundreds of people, children, elderly people, families enjoying themselves,” he said. “Then suddenly there was chaos. Gunfire everywhere. People ducking. No one knew where the shots were coming from.”
The man, who has not been publicly identified, said he had lived in Israel for 13 years and survived the October 7 attacks. He arrived in Australia just two weeks ago to work with the Jewish community and help combat antisemitism.
“I came here to fight hatred,” he said. “October 7 was the last time I saw something like this. I never thought I’d see it again, not in Australia, not on Bondi Beach of all places.”
Recounting the moments after the shooting began, he said he saw one of the gunmen firing indiscriminately. “I saw children fall to the ground. I saw elderly people and disabled individuals. It was an absolute bloodbath,” he said, adding that his only focus was ensuring his wife and children escaped safely.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the attack was carefully planned and designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on a significant religious day. Police have launched a counter-terrorism investigation and are continuing to scour the area after reports that potential explosive devices may have been involved.
Despite his injuries, the survivor struck a defiant tone. “We’ve lived through worse. We’ll get through this,” he said. “And we will get those responsible.”