A Hanukkah party at Sydney's Bondi Beach was sadly attacked on Sunday evening. Two people shot at people during the festival of lights. This terrible event caused the death of at least fifteen people. Many others were badly hurt. The community is very shocked and sad.
The happy celebration was meant to bring "joy and light" for Hanukkah. It was destroyed just before 7 PM. Police received many emergency calls. People were running everywhere in fear. Videos showed people trying to escape the loud gunshots and screams. The shooting spread from the party to the beach. Swimmers and sunbathers ran away quickly. They were scared and wanted to be safe.
Authorities have named some of the victims. Their families are very upset. A ten-year-old girl named Matilda was among those who died. She was called a "bright and joyful child." Two rabbis and a Holocaust survivor also died. This makes the tragedy even more upsetting. The Harmony Russian School of Sydney is also affected. Many Jewish families were celebrating when the attack happened.
This terrible event has started a new discussion about gun laws in Australia. Australia had strict gun rules after a shooting in 1996. However, this attack shows that violence can still happen. People are now asking if the current laws are strong enough. They wonder if new laws are needed to stop future attacks. The attack has brought fear to a community that was just celebrating its culture. Police are looking for the attackers. They are investigating the crime.