Australia to Hold Funerals for the 15 Victims of an Antisemitic Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 16: Hundreds of flowers lay on the ground at the memorial next to Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach on December 16, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Police say at least 15 people and one suspected gunman were killed and more than a dozen others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at the world-famous Bondi Beach, in what authorities have declared a terrorist incident. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia is preparing for the funerals of some of the victims of an antisemitic mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The first funerals were to be held on Wednesday. Authorities say the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group. The suspects are a father, who was killed, and his son, who is in a hospital. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to tighten gun laws following the attack. Many Australians are donating blood and paying respects at the scene of the massacre. Stories of heroism have emerged, including those of Ahmed al Ahmed, who tackled one shooter, and Bondi Beach lifeguards who helped during the chaos.