UPDATE: In a powerful show of solidarity, 20,000 people gathered at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, to honor the victims of last week’s tragic attack during a Chanukah celebration. The event, marked by grief yet overflowing with resilience, sent a clear message: “We will not be defeated by terror.”
Just one week post-tragedy, the atmosphere was charged with emotion as community leaders, including Rabbi Yehoram Ulman and NSW Premier Chris Minns, spoke passionately about unity and strength in the face of adversity. The crowd, a blend of Jews and Australians, echoed chants of defiance against the forces of hate that sought to divide them.
“This crime was an attempt to marginalize and scatter us,” Premier Minns declared, receiving rapturous applause. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens, acknowledging failures that led to the horrific events.
The evening began with David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, welcoming dignitaries, including a visibly booed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In a poignant tribute, Ossip extended love and prayers to the families of the 15 victims lost in the massacre, promising ongoing support.
The mood shifted as Governor-General Sam Mostyn addressed attendees with warmth, reaffirming her commitment to Jewish Australians and condemning antisemitism.
“We must never let this happen again,”
she asserted, rallying the crowd towards healing and solidarity.
Among the heroes recognized was Ahmed al-Ahmed, who bravely intervened during the attack. Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky inspired the audience with the message that the Jewish response to terror is one of light and action, stating,
“We will not say ‘never again’; we will DO ‘never again’.”
The event’s emotional core lay in the testimonies shared by survivors, including teenager Chaya Dadon, who shielded children during the chaos.
“I felt God holding my hand,”
she recalled, highlighting the community’s courage in the face of unimaginable horror.
As the night unfolded, attendees lit candles for each victim, symbolizing hope and resilience. The One Mitzvah for Bondi initiative was announced by Premier Minns, urging all Australians to commit to acts of kindness in memory of those lost.
This gathering was not merely a memorial; it was a declaration of unity and strength. As Rabbi Ulman poignantly stated,
“We are responding with more light, more love, and more unity.”
The emotional evening, filled with tears and laughter, laid the groundwork for a community determined to heal and thrive. As the final candle was lit amidst soft rain, attendees felt not just the weight of grief but also the spark of a renewed commitment to stand against hate.
This event at Bondi Beach marks a pivotal moment in the fight against antisemitism and violence, embodying a spirit of resilience that resonates far beyond Australia. The message is clear: as a community, they are united, and together, they will continue to shine brightly against the darkness.
