On December 16, 2025, a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Australia, during a Hanukkah celebration, left 15 people dead and many others injured. The attackers, identified as Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram, reportedly had links to Islamic State ideology. Investigations revealed that they had undergone military-style training in the southern Philippines, a region known for Islamist militant activity, shortly before the attack.

The incident has drawn attention to broader issues of radicalization and antisemitism, particularly as it involved individuals described as radicalized Muslim immigrants targeting a Jewish gathering. This pattern reflects similar attacks globally and raises concerns about the implications for social cohesion and the integration of immigrant communities in Australia.

Footage from the event showed two individuals, Ahmed el Ahmed and an unnamed Middle Eastern refugee, intervening to assist victims. Ahmed successfully disarmed one of the attackers, while the refugee, who had just exited a taxi, was mistakenly targeted by the crowd and police. Immigration lawyer Alison Battisson noted the mixed public reactions regarding the refugee's actions and the potential impact on his immigration status.

The Australian federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, confirmed that improvised explosive devices and homemade ISIS flags were found in the vehicle of the attackers. Despite their connections to extremist ideologies, neither Naveed nor Sajid Akram was on a terrorism watchlist prior to the attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that there was no evidence to suggest the Akram family was part of an organized terror cell, emphasizing that their actions were motivated by extremist ideology rather than representing any religion.

This incident has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of Australia's gun control measures and the treatment of individuals from marginalized backgrounds in crisis situations. Critics argue that the response to the attack highlights the complexities of public perception and the challenges faced by those seeking refuge in Australia, particularly in the context of violence and militarism. As Australia navigates these challenges, the implications for its multicultural society remain significant.