A Statement of Solidarity with the Jewish Community

https://www.accj.org.au/news/a-statement-of-solidarity-with-the-jewish-community/ 

Last night, as members of the Jewish community gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney to celebrate the first night of Chanukkah, two gunmen opened fire, killing and wounding innocent people.

We condemn this act of antisemitism and terrorism.

We are shocked and dismayed by this senseless act of violence at an event celebrating light and life.

We offer our prayers for those killed and injured, and we pray for all who have been traumatised by what has happened.

We know that these events will affect all members of the Jewish community in Australia and around the world.

We grieve with you as we try to make sense of these senseless events.

We offer our support to you during the festival of Chanukkah, mindful of the impact that these events have had at this normally peaceful and joyous time.

The Australian Council of Christians and Jews stands in solidarity with the Jewish community, the people of Bondi and all people affected by these senseless events.

We stand against dehumanisation, antisemitism and hate, and we commit ourselves to working for encounter, respect, dialogue and peace.

We pray together that light will overcome darkness.

Mark Walsh
Chair, Australian Council of Christians and Jews
Monday 15 December 2025