12/19/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2025 22:39
Published on 19 December 2025
Sunday 21 December has been declared a Day of Reflection to honour the victims of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.
The Commonwealth and State government will also work closely with the Jewish community on arrangements for a National Day of Mourning to be held in the New Year. This will allow families the time and space to lay their loved ones to rest and to support those still recovering.
The Day of Reflection will be observed on the final full day of Chanukah, a time traditionally associated with light, faith and resilience, making the loss felt by the Jewish community even more profound. All Australians share in their grief.
On Sunday 21 December, flags on Australian and NSW Government buildings will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the lives lost and the grief shared across the country.
All Australians are invited to light a candle at 6:47pm, one week since the attack unfolded, as a quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved ones, and to observe a minute of silence.
15 December 2025
On behalf of the whole Woollahra community, I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Bondi that occurred last night, on the first night of Chanukah, as thousands gathered to celebrate the Festival of Lights by the beach.
This targeted attack on our Jewish community has left us devastated and appalled. Such a senseless, deplorable act of hatred and terror has no place in Australia.
Last night, the worst of our fears were realised and today the Woollahra community mourns together, stands with and wraps our arms around our Jewish community.
The terror attack resulted in the death of innocent individuals, and left many injured. As people were attended to last night by first responders and heroic members of the public, we saw acts of bravery from civilians and first responders alike.
We are so grateful to the emergency services personnel and members of the community who were on the scene and offered their courage, compassion and care.
I have spoken with local representatives at all levels of government, the local police area command and faith leaders to communicate our full support.
Given the scale of the attack, authorities are asking Australians who are able to donate blood to please come forward, especially those with O blood types.
Today, and in the next few days and months ahead, I encourage everyone to reach out to members of the Bondi and Jewish communities, colleagues, friends, neighbours and strangers, to let them know they are supported and loved. This is something simple we can all do.
I join the community in urging the Federal and State Governments to take stronger action. Action which we have been calling for, for more than two years.
A united and full force must be used to stem the antisemitism and hate, which is now terminal in Australia.
Today, the eyes of the world are on our community, our state, and our nation. Inaction cannot, and will not, be tolerated.
Watch: Statement from Mayor of Woollahra, Clr Sarah Dixson
If you wish to lay flowers, a memorial site has been established at the rear of Bondi Pavilion.
The NSW Government have set up an online condolence book for the community to share messages of support for the loved ones who lost their lives, the injured and the first responders.
Members of the community who need support are encouraged to seek help by contacting the victim support services.
Victims Services has established a dedicated phone line for victims and family members of victims on , Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm.
Jewish Care are providing a range of support services for members of the Jewish community on .
Immediate crisis support is available at any time through Jewish House 24/7 Crisis Line .
North Bondi community hub
A community hub has been established at North Bondi RSL. The hub offers a range of practical advice and support, including mental health and wellbeing services for everyone in the impacted community.
Support services:
Location: North Bondi RSL, 118/120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
Hours: 10am - 4pm, Friday 19 December - Tuesday 23 December
Visit the NSW Government's information page for more details and additional support services.
Headspace (20 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction) on .
Kids Helpline on and online.
The Australian Psychological Society provides information sheets on helping children cope after community violence.
The NSW Government has partnered with Rotary to establish a dedicated fundraising appeal for the Bondi Beach attack.
The Unite for Bondi - Bondi Terror Attack Appeal will provide support to the survivors and families of those who lost their lives. Assistance may include immediate financial relief such as bereavement costs, medium-term recovery assistance, and longer-term needs including medical care, counselling and rehabilitation. The fund will also support longer-term healing initiatives for the Bondi community.
Members of the public, businesses, corporates and philanthropists who wish to donate can do so via Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS). Donors will receive tax deductible receipts for the contributions they make.
The appeal is administered by the RAWCS which is a registered charitable organisation which delivers benevolent, humanitarian and disaster relief projects throughout Australia and internationally. Rotary will work with the Jewish Board of Deputies to coordinate the distribution of funds to affected Jewish community members, supported by the NSW Government.
The need for more blood and plasma donors is ongoing. In the event of a serious trauma event or emergency, up to 100 donations may be needed to save just one life. With the holiday period approaching, Lifeblood is encouraging people to look at making an appointment over the coming weeks, as blood and plasma donations will continue to be needed.
The Lifeblood website, app and call centre are experiencing much higher numbers than usual. Please be patient, and if you can't get through, check back again later. Book now.
A support package has been announced to assist businesses impacted by the Bondi terror attack.
Impacted businesses will be able to register for support from Friday 19 December, with applications processed from early next week. They can do this by attending the Community Hub or contacting Service NSW on to organise a meeting with a Business Concierge member. Visit Service NSW Business Bureau.
Members of the Jewish community are not alone as the community grapples with this tragic event. Join us in demonstrating solidarity and compassion. Together we can affirm our commitment to a peaceful and harmonious NSW. Sign the pledge.