15 Dec 2025
FeaturesSSI statement following Bondi Beach attack
We are shocked and saddened by the violent attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney yesterday. Our hearts go out to the people killed and injured in this attack, their families and friends, and to Australia’s Jewish community as Chanukah begins — a time that should be marked by light, hope and togetherness.
Our solidarity with the Jewish community is unwavering and we recognise that the safety of any one group is inseparable from the wellbeing of all.
Australia’s strength lies in the rich diversity of our cultures and beliefs, and in our shared commitment to respect and protect one another. Every person, regardless of background or belief, deserves safety, dignity and respect. These are not privileges, but rights that underpin our society, and we must stand together to uphold them, especially in times of crisis.
We acknowledge and thank first responders for their swift and courageous actions, and we recognise the bravery shown by everyday community members who helped others and risked their own lives in the face of such a horrific attack.
In the face of this senseless violence, we acknowledge many people will be feeling unsafe in their communities. We must not allow fear or anger to drive wedges between us. Acts of hate and violence have no place in our communities. Instead, we must reaffirm our commitment to compassion, understanding, and the rejection of all forms of prejudice.
At moments like this, we are all searching for answers. We urge calm and unity while we await the results of police investigations. This is not a time to let our differences divide us.
In this time of grief, we choose empathy over suspicion and unity over division. By standing together — across faiths, cultures and communities — we reaffirm the values that bind us as a strong, multicultural nation.
