Although anti-gun activists in the US cite Australia as a violence-free utopia due to the nation’s strict firearms laws, a recent tragedy in Sydney shows that nowhere can be completely protected from those intent on doing evil.

A Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach ended in chaos, with a dozen people reported dead and even more hospitalized after gunfire rang out Sunday evening. Authorities discovered evidence of multiple improvised explosive devices near the scene of the attack.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged the attack while speaking at an event in Jerusalem recognizing immigrants’ extraordinary achievements on Sunday. “At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach,” he said. “Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives.”

Footage of the incident circulated widely online, showing an individual heroically disarming one shooter during the attack. Ahmed El Ahmad, who reportedly disarmed a gunman on Bondi Beach while being shot at by another terrorist, was hit twice but is believed to have saved many lives.

Australian authorities condemned the attack immediately. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.” State Premier Chris Minns stated that the massacre targeted Sydney’s Jewish community and was declared a terrorist attack due to the event being targeted and weapons used by Lanyon.

Hundreds had gathered at Bondi Beach for the Chanukah by the Sea festival, which marked the start of the eight-day Hanukkah celebration. Chabad identified Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and key event organizer, among those killed.

Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish movement known for its outreach to non-religious Jews, operates centers globally and often sponsors large public events during major Jewish holidays.

The incident occurred after two gunmen with long guns fired from a bridge. Video footage from bystanders showed one individual tackling and disarming a shooter before the man turned his weapon on him.