Loyal Lovin readers can support Lovin so we can continue to share the stories of all amazing cities
Minimum custom amount to enter is AED 2
By donating, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
At Least 12 People Dead and 27 Injured: Egypt Condemns Deadly Attack During Jewish Celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
A deadly shooting on Sunday at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration has left at least 12 people dead and 27 others injured.
The attack, which took place in one of Australia’s most popular beach areas, has shocked the community and prompted widespread condemnation from international authorities, including Egypt.
View this post on Instagram
Recommended
“It’s Part of the Building’s Architectural Design” The Grand Egyptian Museum Flooding Got the Internet Talking
The Driver Was Running After Him? Mohamed Sobhy’s Heated Moment Post-Awards Left the Internet Outraged
Is Bent El Gouna Heading There for New Year’s? After Getting Bassem Youssef’s Help to Go to Gouna, Dania Sits Down with Her Mom to Get an Answer!
What Happened at Bondi Beach?
On Sunday, Bondi Beach was filled with families and individuals celebrating Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, when gunmen opened fire in what has been described as a targeted attack on the Jewish community.
The gunfire sent hundreds of people scattering in fear, and the chaos was overwhelming.
According to Australian authorities, the shooting resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left 27 others injured. As the police investigated, they confirmed that one of the suspects died at the scene, and the second suspect was found in critical condition.
The authorities also revealed that they were looking into the possibility of a third gunman being involved in the attack.
A Hero Amidst the Horror: Ahmed al-Ahmed
Amid the tragic events unfolding at Bondi Beach, a local hero emerged. Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian fruit shop owner, displayed extraordinary courage in the face of danger.
According to reports from the BBC, al-Ahmed charged toward one of the gunmen, tackled him from behind, and managed to wrest the rifle from his hands, effectively preventing further carnage. His quick thinking and bravery were credited with saving many lives during the terrifying moments of the attack.
However, al-Ahmed’s actions did not come without consequence. He was injured during the altercation and is now hospitalized. His heroism, though, has been widely praised, with many hailing him as a true lifesaver.
Who Were the Shooters?
The two suspects involved in the attack have been identified as father and son, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. According to BBC reports, the father was killed at the scene, while his son is in critical condition in an Australian hospital.
Police are continuing their investigations into the background and motivations of the suspects.
Initial reports suggest the attack was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted assault aimed at the Jewish community. Authorities have classified the attack as an act of antisemitic violence, and the investigation into the gunmen’s motives is ongoing.
Egypt’s Strong Condemnation
Egypt has strongly condemned the deadly attack, expressing outrage at the violence targeting innocent civilians during a Jewish holiday celebration. In a statement, Egyptian authorities made it clear that they stand firmly against such violence and discrimination, calling the attack an “unacceptable act of hatred.”
The Egyptian government emphasized the importance of protecting all religious communities, calling for unity and peace in the face of such senseless violence. This condemnation reflects Egypt’s ongoing stance against extremism and its commitment to supporting the security and well-being of all people, regardless of their faith or background.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that typically lasts for eight days and nights. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days, despite there only being enough oil for one day.
During Hanukkah, Jewish families light a menorah, a special candelabra with nine branches, one for each night of the holiday. The lighting of the menorah is central to the celebration, and it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. In addition to lighting the candles, families often play traditional games, such as dreidel, and enjoy festive foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).
For Jewish people around the world, Hanukkah is a time of joy and celebration, a chance to come together with family and community. The tragic events at Bondi Beach have cast a shadow over what should have been a time of peace and togetherness for the Jewish community in Sydney.
Lovin Cairo Newsletter 