SYDNEY – Canadian Finn Foster, who was backpacking with his girlfriend, Hayden Lombardi, in Australia, experienced a terrifying incident while planning to watch the sunset at the iconic Bondi Beach. As they were making their way to the beach, they heard what they initially believed to be fireworks; however, the sound of approximately two dozen pops quickly turned into a realization that they were in a dangerous situation.
“Everybody as a whole was just kind of in a freakout. It didn’t feel real at the moment,” said 18-year-old Foster, who hails from Brantford, Ontario. “I had a big adrenalin rush because I never thought I’d be in a real terrorist attack.”
The chaos unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, 2025, when a mass shooting occurred, claiming at least 15 lives and leaving 38 others injured. In the aftermath, one attacker was apprehended by law enforcement, while the other was fatally shot by police officers responding to the scene.
In the wake of the shooting, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the act, labeling it as both antisemitic and a form of terrorism. Foster and Lombardi were staying at a hostel in close proximity to Bondi Beach, where a barbecue event for guests was scheduled but ultimately canceled due to the violent outbreak. As the shots rang out, the couple was en route to a nearby McDonald’s.
Realizing they were in immediate danger, Foster quickly grabbed Lombardi and they sprinted back to the safety of their hostel. “Cars were pulling over. People were hopping out and grabbing their kids,” he recounted, describing the frantic scene. “Stores were closing up, and some stores were letting people in.”
Upon reaching their hostel, Foster and his girlfriend opened their doors to help those in distress seeking refuge. Meanwhile, police officers on-site were asking bystanders if they had the skills to perform CPR. A Polish guest from the hostel rushed to the shooting scene, attempting to resuscitate the wounded victims. Foster later joined in, but by that time, most victims had already been evacuated from the area.
The aftermath was shocking. Foster noted how personal belongings were scattered across the scene, further emphasizing the chaotic nature of the event. “There were bikes everywhere – phones, wallets, strollers, food. People were at the bars, right, because we’re right near bar central. There were beers everywhere. It was just crazy. It almost looked like the apocalypse. Everybody’s stuff was there without them,” he described.
According to reports, the shooters were a father and his son, with the father being killed by police and the son sustaining injuries that necessitated a hospital visit. Although Foster and Lombardi were scheduled to fly to Brisbane the night following the incident, Foster expressed uncertainty regarding the conditions at Sydney’s airport.
The following day, the atmosphere in Bondi Beach was palpably somber, with the sounds of helicopters overhead and numerous beach sections closed off. Many individuals were visibly upset, and several businesses remained shuttered. “It’s gloomy. There’s no smiles – it’s a lot of sad faces, a lot of flowers. It’s just not really where you want to be right now,” Foster reflected.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of violence in public spaces and highlights the profound impact such events have on communities, visitors, and individuals alike.
