Dutch citizen injured in deadly Bondi Beach shooting targeting Hanukkah celebration
A Dutch citizen was injured during a deadly attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday evening, authorities confirmed. The shooting, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration attended by more than 1,000 people, left 16 people dead and injured more than 40 others, including four children and two police officers.
The injured Dutch citizen, who holds dual nationality, is reported to be out of life-threatening danger, according to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry stated it is in contact with the victim and ready to provide assistance if requested. The individual’s personal details have not been disclosed.
Among the deceased were 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim; Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman; businessman Reuven Morrison; former police officer Peter Meagher; grandfather Tibor Weitzen; and 82-year-old volunteer Marika Pogany.
Witnesses told The Sydney Morning Herald that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, opened fire at the popular beach, striking participants celebrating the Jewish festival. The shooting lasted approximately 10 minutes before police responded.
Sajid Akram, who legally owned six firearms and was a member of a recreational gun club, was shot and killed by police at the scene. Naveed Akram suffered critical injuries and remains in hospital under police guard.
Authorities are investigating a trip the pair took to the Philippines in November. Naveed had also previously come to the attention of Australia’s intelligence service ASIO in 2019.
Australian authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist act. The national cabinet has pledged to “eradicate antisemitism, hate, violence and terrorism” and agreed to take “strong, decisive and focused action” on gun law reform.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected claims that the attack was connected to Australia’s recognition of the Palestinian state, stating, “No, I do not accept that. The overwhelming majority of the world sees a two-state solution as the way forward in the Middle East.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suggested that Australia’s recognition of Palestine “added fuel to the antisemitic fire.”
The attack drew swift responses from Dutch leaders on Sunday. Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed condolences on X, calling it “a black day for Australia” and condemning the attack as a “cowardly act.” He added, “Shocking and disturbing reports from Australia about many dead and injured after a terrible attack in Sydney. Our thoughts go out to all victims and their families of this cowardly act.”
Foreign Minister David van Weel also posted on X, “Shocking reports from Bondi Beach, Sydney. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this ruthless attack during Hanukkah celebrations. The Netherlands stands with our Australian friends, @SenatorWong.”
D66 leader Rob Jetten stated, “Jews must be able to celebrate their faith everywhere freely and without fear.” GroenLinks-PvdA leader Jesse Klaver said, “The fight against antisemitism, hate, and violence is a global duty,” while ChristenUnie leader Mirjam Bikker called for continued protection of religious communities. VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz described the event as devastating for the Jewish community: “What should have been a celebration of a festival of lights has become deeply dark for the Jewish community around Bondi Beach. Words fail.”
The Netherlands’ National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) also reacted, with NCTV head Wieke Vink warning, “Even in the Netherlands, vigilance is required.” The Dutch terror threat level remains at 4 out of 5, reflecting a real risk of attack and prompting visible and invisible security measures at sensitive locations.
