Prior to the Bondi attack, Australia faced a wave of antisemitic incidents across 2024–2025, including graffiti at Jewish schools and bakeries, arson at a kosher deli and a nearby brewery, synagogue arson, and vandalism and threats across Sydney and Melbourne.

A timeline recounts a sustained rise in antisemitic incidents culminating in the Bondi Beach attack on December 14, 2025, which struck during Hanukkah.

Responses from authorities were swift and high-level: the ASIO chief labeled antisemitism a top threat, leaders like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns issued strong condemnations, and AFP launched Special Operation Avalite to probe high-harm antisemitism.

International reaction included Israel’s prime minister accusing Australian policy of fueling antisemitism, while Yad Vashem urged Australia to bolster education and awareness to counter the trend.

The Bondi Beach attack itself involved two gunmen targeting a Jewish holiday event, resulting in at least 12 deaths and more than 30 injuries, including two police officers.