Prince Harry, Meghan meet Bondi terror attack survivors

On the final leg of their Australian tour, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have visited the scene of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

Prince Harry and Meghan have met survivors of the Bondi Beach terror attack as they wind up their Australian tour.

They started their visit in Sydney at Bondi, where 15 innocent people were killed in the December 14 antisemitic terrorist attack.

They met emergency workers who responded to the attack, as well as representatives of the Sydney Jewish Museum, which is opening an exhibition on the massacre.

The meeting took place at the request of the couple, who were moved and inspired by a New York Times report tracing the Museum’s response to the tragic antisemitic terrorist attack that took place at Sydney’s iconic beach on December 14.

The diligent work of the Museum in collecting and preserving the tonnes of loving tributes and expressions of grief left at the site went ‘viral’ in the international media. The world followed as an army of volunteers assembled at dawn to collect it all, then began the work of sorting, processing and preserving everything from handmade offerings, textiles, cards and soft toys, to hundreds of painted stones and three tonnes of flowers.

After arriving at the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club on Friday morning, the couple spoke to Jessica Chapnik Khan, who survived the attack while shielding her five-year-old daughter after attending a Chanukah party.

Sydney Jewish Museum  President Greg Shand said that the tragic events at Bondi have thrust the Museum and its contribution into the international spotlight. The attack – as well as the rising tide of antisemitism since October 7, 2023 – has inspired the Museum to also incorporate a new Centre to Educate against Antisemitism as part of the redeveloped Museum.

“Through collecting and preserving, we will continue to ensure that future generations can understand the moments that shape our community and learn from the lessons of history,” Shand added.

The couple also met Shannon Biederman, the museum’s senior curator, who spearheaded the preservation project, who said it was “really special” to have them visit.

Harry and Meghan also met survivors Jessica Chapnik Kahn (who covered her daughter during the shooting), Elon Zizer (who survived multiple gunshot wounds while covering his children – after 10 days in a coma) as well as first responder, North Bondi Surf Life Saver Jacob Ezrakhovich – himself also a survivor with his family.

Prince Harry was moved to meet first responder who was also with his family at the shooting.  He thanked Jacob and his team for “committing to all the training involved in keeping the community safe”.

The Duchess said had tears in her eyes as she spoke with survivor Jessica. “I can’t imagine what it would have been like to experience that with your child. It’s beyond my imagination.”