Dec 18, 2025
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Dr Levi West, an Australian National University Research Fellow (radicalisation, extremism, terrorism) and former director of terrorism studies at the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security.
The pair take an in-depth look at the national security and counterterrorism aspects of the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney.
The terrorist attack targeted Jewish members of the public attending a Hanukkah (Jewish festival of lights) event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, two rabbis and a Holocaust survivor, were killed in the attack. Two police officers were shot and injured.
The two Islamic State-aligned gunmen were identified by NSW Police as father and son, Sajid Akram, 50 (deceased), and Naveed Akram, 24 (critically injured).
The pair discuss a range of topics, including:
- An initial in-depth assessment of the attack, the police and public response.
- The actions and bravery of fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen and seized his weapon before laying down the gun during the incident.
- A reactive federal and state government pledge to tighten firearms legislation in the wake of the incident.
- Media reports that both terrorists travelled to the Philippines prior to the incident, possibly to undertake firearms training or engage in a final period of recreation.
- How the shooting relates to anti-Jewish incidents occurring in Australia since the October 7 attacks in Israel during 2023.
- What happens next for Australia, analysis of the incident, psychological impact, possible changes in government policy and the likelihood of reprisals or imitative violence.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team