Bondi Terror Shooters Identified as Father and Son in Devastating Hanukkah Attack

Authorities in Australia have confirmed that the deadly Hanukkah terror attack at Bondi Beach was carried out by a father and son duo, identifying the suspects as a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son in what officials now say was an act of terrorism and antisemitism.

The pair opened fire on a peaceful Jewish gathering celebrating the first night of Hanukkah in Sydney, killing at least 11 innocent people, including a local rabbi, and injuring dozens more.

“Based on his medical condition, it is likely that this person may face criminal charges,” said Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, referring to the surviving son, who remains hospitalized in critical condition.
“This is a time for calm. Retribution or acts against any parts of any community will not be accepted.”

The father was killed at the scene. Officials said he had been licensed to own firearms under Australia’s gun laws, which are already among the strictest in the Western world. He had legal licenses for six firearms, all of which were either recovered at the crime scene or from his property.

The attack has ignited a political firestorm, with renewed debate over gun control, immigration, and growing radicalism within Australian society. Lawmakers have already announced plans to tighten firearm regulations further a response that, while expected, does little to address the ideological rot that fueled this massacre.

“Why do you need these massive weapons that put the public in danger?” asked New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who vowed new legislation to make access even harder for recreational gun owners.

But critics say this entirely misses the point. The problem wasn’t just the weapons it was the ideology, the radicalization, and the political cowardice that allowed this threat to grow unchecked.

Among the dead was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who just days before had warned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the dangers of appeasement and abandoning the Jewish community.

“Stop fueling terrorism by legitimizing those who spread hate,” Schlanger wrote.
“I beg you not to betray the Jewish people and not God himself.”

Those words now read like a prophecy.

Albanese and his government have faced intense backlash for their embrace of pro-Palestinian rhetoric and their support for Palestinian statehood, which many believe has emboldened radical elements and poured gasoline on an already burning fire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly warned Albanese just weeks ago, calling his actions “appeasement” and accusing him of empowering extremists:

“Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire,” Netanyahu wrote.
“It rewards Hamas terror… and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets.”

And stalk it did. Right into a peaceful Hanukkah celebration and right into mass murder.

Here’s what we know:

• Father and son suspects carried out the attack

• The father had legal firearms through a recreational hunting license

• One suspect dead, the other in critical condition and facing charges

• At least 11 people murdered, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger

• Officials confirm it was an antisemitic terrorist attack

• Political leaders under fire for turning a blind eye to radicalism

• Gun control debate resurfaces but critics say ideology is the root

The Jewish community in Australia long seen as integrated and peaceful is now grieving, outraged, and demanding accountability. Many are now asking the hard question: How did this happen on Australian soil?

The truth? It didn’t happen overnight. It happened after years of rising antisemitism, media appeasement, and spineless political leadership too afraid to call evil by its name.

The father and son may have pulled the trigger. But they were handed the cultural ammunition by those who looked the other way.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates if you believe appeasement invites terror and the West must finally say, “Enough.”