I was surprised to see Jamila’s* name come up on my caller display. I had been chasing her for ages for her contribution to the Seasoned Chanukah Greetings article. The description of how she celebrates never came, the explanation of the background behind the Aleppo Custom never came and the pictures of lovely Syrian Jewish food never came. I wasn’t even (that) annoyed. That’s the way it goes sometimes. People make promises and then realise they have overextended themselves and they start dodging your calls, especially at this time of year. I answered her and before I could let her know it was too late, she said, “Did you see what happened on Bondi Beach?”
I hadn’t. I have now. Here’s what I’ve learnt so far, though the situation is evolving. The Chabedi community organised an event called ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ to celebrate the first day of the 8 days long ‘Festival of Light.’ It was a family event where children were welcome. There was face painting, games, music and food and the highlight was going to be the lighting of a giant menorah. The event had attracted approximately 2000 people who had all wanted to celebrate and have a good time.
Footage from the scene has shown two gunmen, who have now been identified as father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, dressed in black firing long arms indiscriminately into crowds of people. Sajid was shot and died at the scene whilst his son remains in critical condition in the hospital. 15 innocent bystanders (that number may rise) including a Rabbi, Eli Schlanger from the UK. The second shooter was also shot and is now in critical condition in hospital., but there are reports there may possibly have been a 3rd who escaped. Police have declared it a ‘terror incident.’ There are 42 people being treated for injuries at local hospitals with emergency workers treating even more at the scene.
There would be even more deaths had it not been for the bravery of Ahmed Al Ahmed, Muslim man of Lebanese origin who snatched the gun out of the hand of one of the shooters. Instead of commending him and pointing out that his actions demonstrate that Islam isn’t the problem, the usual suspects are suggesting he is now going to be the target of Islamists the world over, desperate for revenge because he disrupted the attack.
Hero dad-of-two who was filmed risking his life to tackling the gunman during the Bondi Beach terror attack has been named by his family.
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) December 14, 2025
According to Australian media, Ahmed al Ahmed, aged 43, has been named by his family as the man who likely saved countless lives when he… pic.twitter.com/4TQS7Lu9hK
I can’t speak for Muslims. I can only speak as an Arab when I say that this man is a hero, he will be revered as such, and we are so grateful for his fearless intervention. Hopefully it will reduce the inevitable rise in racist abuse directed at Arabs and Muslims that always follows one of these attacks.
There has been an outpouring of grief and condolences for the Jewish community in Australia. The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (no relation to Francesca) has said,
Tonight and over the coming days, we are holding the Jewish community close.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 15, 2025
For the 8 nights of Chanukah, Jewish families around the world fill their windows with light – something that has been passed down through generations.
Tonight, I am lighting a candle in solidarity… pic.twitter.com/gYjyGPpq7R
There have also been angry recriminations from some and an outpouring of Islamophobia across social media platforms.
A quick note for our "friends" in the press who are about to lecture us on the dangers of "islamophobia."
— Nick Freitas (@NickJFreitas) December 14, 2025
It's only a "phobia" when the fear or disdain is irrational.
“I hate this,” Jamila tells me, her voice cracking with emotion. “It’s a religious holiday. Now I’ve got to listen to idiots making racist statements and calling for people that look like me to be attacked. And they’re claiming to do it on behalf of people who are also like me. The accusations that this was ‘a false flag’ operation and ‘the Jews did it’ to divert attention from Israel and Gaza have started. Just pushing the age old narrative that the ‘sly Jews’ planned it themselves or brought it on themselves so are deserving of no sympathy. No respect for the grieving, the injured, the dead or their families. Members of the Jewish community in Australia have complained of a rise in antisemitism following 7th October 2023.
Speculation that Iran are behind it has started. For the record, Iran have admitted no involvement. But that hasn’t stopped some calling for revenge against them and by extension, all Arabs.”
It’s not the first time it has been claimed Iran have been behind antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. If you can, please look up the case of Sayed Moosawi, and see if you can figure out ‘What in the 4 Lions’ is going on there. Iran have admitted no involvement in that either, though to be fair, would you?
“It has people so full of hate they’re confused. I feel unsafe. And the thing is, I don’t even know where the attack will come from so at this point, I trust no one. I’m remembering the case of the Jewish man who shot two Israelis in the US, mistakenly believing them to be Palestinians. I’m an Arab who is a practicing Jew. It makes my skin crawl to hear some of my people chant ‘Death to Arabs.’ Like, what are you even saying?
Muslim men carried out this attack, designed to strike fear into the hearts of all in Sydney’s Jewish community. A Muslim man intervened and saved many, many people who would otherwise have been hurt or killed. If you think Naveen Akram and his father represent Islam and Ahmed Al Ahmed doesn’t, then you need to ask yourself why.”
*Not her real name