Ahmed al Ahmed, the Syrian-Australian father who wrestled a shotgun from one of the gunmen attacking a Jewish gathering, is facing a long road to recovery.

Officials said the shooting was "designed to target" the Jewish community. An event to mark the first day of Hanukkah was taking place at the iconic beach in Sydney. Coverage on this live blog has ended.

Police and local media reports said the shooting began while some people were attending a Hanukkah party on the beach. At least 40 people were hospitalized.

At least 15 people were killed at a Jewish gathering on Australia's Bondi Beach, according to Australian government officials and police. One of two gunmen was also dead.

A Holocaust survivor, a 10-year-old and a Chabad rabbi were among the 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah event at Australia's Bondi Beach on Sunday. Hundreds of people had gathered to mark the first day of the Jewish festival before the attackers struck at the event in Sydney.

Police said around 1,000 people had attended the Jewish celebration, which was held in a small park off the beach.

While a Sydney shopowner is being hailed ‌as ​a hero after disarming one of the ‌gunmen shooting at a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, a couple and ​another man who died after physically confronting the attackers are also being remembered for their heroic efforts to save those around ‍them.