The document identified Sunni violent extremism as the most significant religiously motivated threat to Australia, while also noting risks from left-wing and far-right extremism.
By Eitan Devir, Jewish Breaking News
A Jewish security company warned police of a high risk of a terrorist attack at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney weeks before a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, according to a leaked document.
The confidential assessment, produced by Community Security Group NSW, cautioned authorities that the Dec. 14 Chanukah by the Sea event carried a heightened threat of violent antisemitism and jihadist-inspired lone-actor attacks.
The document, titled Jewish Festival Calendar Notification and dated Nov. 26, said the New South Wales Jewish community was facing “unprecedented levels of vilification” and a sharp rise in incidents.
It warned that Jewish and Israeli-linked events have historically been targeted in retaliation for developments in the Middle East and to intimidate entities perceived as affiliated with Israel.
Citing ASIO’s 2025 Annual Threat Assessment, the notice highlighted the risk of lone-actor violence fueled by online extremist propaganda.
“While Islamic State and al-Qaeda have lost territorial control, their ideology persists and resonates with individuals online,” the assessment said.
The document identified Sunni violent extremism as the most significant religiously motivated threat to Australia, while also noting risks from left-wing and far-right extremism.
It referenced a neo-Nazi rally outside the New South Wales Parliament in November as part of the broader threat environment.
NSW Police declined to confirm or deny receipt of the document when contacted by Australian media, citing an ongoing critical incident investigation, a criminal probe and a forthcoming inquest. Police said public comment could prejudice court proceedings.
The warning has intensified scrutiny of security arrangements for the Dec. 14 event, where two armed men dressed in black opened fire on beachgoers shortly after 6:40 p.m.
Fifteen people were killed and 40 wounded when father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram fired from a footbridge overlooking the celebration.
The younger suspect was injured during the incident, later recovered, and is now in custody, authorities said.
The attack has fueled criticism that there were insufficient police resources on hand and that governments failed to curb a surge in antisemitism ahead of the event.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this week rejected claims that Australia’s recognition of Palestine contributed to the violence.
Albanese has also defended the federal government’s decision not to convene a national royal commission, arguing such an inquiry would take too long.
Instead, he announced reviews of intelligence and federal law enforcement agencies that will feed into New South Wales’ royal commission.
As of Friday, 11 victims remained hospitalized nearly two weeks after the attack, according to NSW Health, including two listed in critical but stable condition.
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