Josh Gad Speaks Out After Deadly Bondi Beach Shooting Targeting Jewish Community

Josh Gad is using his voice to condemn what authorities have labeled a terrorist attack following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, that left at least 11 people dead and dozens more injured. The actor shared a raw and emotional statement on social media in response to the violence, which police say was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. At least 29 people were wounded in the attack, including two police officers. One alleged shooter was killed at the scene, while a second remains in critical condition. In his post, Josh Gad expressed heartbreak for the victims, writing about the innocent men, women, and children who were simply trying to celebrate a holiday peacefully.

The "Frozen" voice actor framed the Sydney shooting as part of a broader rise in antisemitic violence, warning that hateful rhetoric has real-world consequences. “What is there to say on a day like today? This was inevitable? Yes,” Gad wrote. “My heart breaks for the innocent men, women and children who just wanted to celebrate a holiday on a beach? Yes.”

The actor directly addressed the role of antisemitism and rhetoric he believes has fueled real-world consequences. “This is what it looks like when anti-semitism is acceptable and celebrated? Yes,” he continued. “Words being thrown around as slogans that actually translate to killing Jews worldwide has consequences? Yes.”

Gad acknowledged the exhaustion that comes with repeating the same warnings after each act of violence, writing that the devastation feels tragically familiar. “But really, there’s nothing left to say. Because all of it has already been said,” he added, before underscoring the human toll of the attack. “And today 11 innocent people who just wanted to celebrate peacefully were gunned down because they had the audacity to be Jewish.”

Australian authorities have formally designated the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney as a terrorist incident, saying it was intentionally carried out during Hanukkah celebrations. The designation underscores the belief that the attack was ideologically motivated and aimed specifically at members of the Jewish community. The shooting sent shockwaves across Australia and beyond, prompting widespread condemnation from global leaders and organizations.

The Muslim World League issued a strong statement condemning the attack, with Secretary General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa emphasizing that Muslims “reject terrorism and violence in all their forms.”

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the shooting, offering condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirming the country’s commitment to combating terrorism worldwide. “As Türkiye, we reiterate our principled stance against all forms and manifestations of terrorism,” the ministry said.

As chaos unfolded along Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, a dramatic video shared by NBC News captured the moment that likely prevented even greater loss of life. The footage appears to show multiple shooters, and one civilian’s split-second decision to act.

In the video, a man wearing a white T-shirt is seen crouching behind a parked car as gunfire erupts nearby. As one of the alleged shooters turns away, the bystander rushes him from behind. After a brief but intense struggle, the man successfully wrestles the firearm out of the shooter’s hands. The alleged gunman is then seen backing away, while the bystander places the weapon on the ground beside a palm tree, effectively neutralizing the immediate threat.

However, the danger was far from over.

Moments later, the footage appears to show a second gunman standing on a bridge, firing repeatedly toward people attempting to intervene. The exchange underscores just how volatile and deadly the situation had become, and how extraordinary the bystander’s actions were amid the ongoing gunfire.

Australian media later identified the man as Ahmed al Ahmed, with both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns publicly praising his courage. Sydney officials credited his actions with saving lives, calling him a hero for stepping in when seconds mattered most.