Statement on the Bondi terrorist attack

Archbishop of Sydney

 

Media Statement

“We embrace our Jewish neighbours and reject antisemitism, violence and hatred.”

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

We have been shocked and sickened by the horrific terrorist attack on Sydney’s Jewish community last night at Bondi Beach.

We embrace our Jewish neighbours and fellow citizens in love, friendship and support. We reject antisemitism, violence and hatred. 

We pray to the God of all comfort and the Father of compassion, for the safety and protection of the Jewish community. We pray for those grieving the tragic loss of loved ones, those injured or traumatised, for the police and medical workers, and for our government and security agencies as they respond. 

We pray for the peace, safety and recovery of the community in Bondi and more widely across Sydney. 

We give thanks for the many people who offered help to those around them, including Ahmed al Ahmed who bravely confronted and disarmed one of the gunmen. 

During this Jewish festival of Hanukkah, and as Christians anticipate the celebration of Christmas, we give thanks that Jesus, a Jewish man, came into our world of sorrow and sin, to bring the light of life, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
15 December 2025