Bondi Beach Hanukkah Massacre Suspects Identified as Father and Son With Reported Islamic State Allegiance

Australian authorities have identified the perpetrators of the terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney as a father and son. New details point to Islamist extremist ideology and prior intelligence scrutiny.

The attack targeted a public Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach organized by Chabad of Bondi. At least 15 people were murdered, and the shooting ranks among the deadliest mass attacks in Australian history. It is also the deadliest antisemitic massacre outside Israel since October 7, 2023.

Police identified the suspects as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50. Australia’s national broadcaster ABC reported that investigators believed both men had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization.

ISIS Flag and Explosives Recovered

An official from Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team told ABC that investigators found an ISIS flag inside a vehicle near the attack site. Police also confirmed the discovery of an improvised explosive device in a car linked to one of the perpetrators.

Authorities said Sajid Akram legally owned six firearms. Police shot and killed him at the scene. Naveed Akram sustained critical injuries and was hospitalized under police guard. Authorities expect to charge him if he survives.

Police later recovered the weapons and searched the suspects’ home. Officers also raided an Airbnb where the pair stayed before the attack.

Prior ASIO Investigation Into ISIS Network

Australian intelligence officials confirmed that Naveed Akram had previously come to the attention of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization.

ABC reported that ASIO investigated him in 2019 for close ties to an IS cell operating in Australia. Officials said Akram associated with individuals linked to Isaac El Matari, an IS operative arrested that year. Matari identified himself as the group’s leader in Australia and is now serving a seven-year prison sentence.

“One of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate-threat perspective,” ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said. “We need to look into what happened here.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also confirmed the earlier assessment. He said security services examined Akram in 2019 based on his associations. At the time, they found no indication of an imminent threat or intent to commit violence.

Heightened Security for Jewish Institutions

Following the massacre, Australian authorities deployed more than 300 police officers to protect Jewish institutions nationwide. Officials named the operation “Operation Shelter.”

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the heightened presence was necessary. “Operation Shelter will be overwhelming,” he said, “and it may inconvenience people in the coming days, but we need to send a clear message.”

He stressed that Jews “have every right to celebrate their faith” without fear during the holiday season.

Israel’s National Security Council also warned of possible copycat attacks inspired by the massacre. The advisory urged Israelis abroad to avoid unsecured mass gatherings, including synagogues, Chabad houses, and Hanukkah events.

Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability

Australian opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of antisemitism following the attack.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley accused the government of failing Jewish Australians. “We have seen a clear failure to keep Jewish Australians safe,” she said. “This government treats antisemitism as a problem to manage, not evil to eradicate.”

‘We Cannot Lose Hope’

During morning prayers on Monday, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, co-founder of Chabad of Bondi, addressed the congregation. His son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was among those murdered.

“For whatever reason, they died al kiddush hashem,” Ulman said, referring to sanctifying God’s name. He urged the community to carry forward the work of those lost.

“We cannot allow terrorists to destroy our spirit or make us lose hope,” he said. He concluded by reciting “Baruch dayan emet,” the traditional blessing upon hearing of a death.

Incredibly moving

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman – Head of the Sydney Beth Din and Chabad Bondi -the community which was attacked speaks at Shacharit morning prayers, the day after the massacre.

Rabbi Ulman's son-in-law Rabbi Eli Schlanger and many of his congregants were killed. pic.twitter.com/LpnY6Vhi1t

— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) December 14, 2025

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