Bondi sunrise service honours victims of tragedy
As the sun rose over Bondi Beach on Tuesday, members of the Sydney Jewish community came together to mark six months since the terror attack that shook Australia and the Jewish world.
The special gathering was to honour the victims, support grieving families and reflect on the community’s response in the months since the attack.
People gather at the site of the Bondi tragedy to mark six months in the Hebrew calendar (photo supplied)
The dawn commemoration was held at the site where the terror attack took place, bringing community members together for prayer, remembrance and reflection as the first light of day broke over Bondi Beach.
The attack occurred on 14 December 2025 during a Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and wounding more than 40. It shocked Australia and the wider Jewish world, and became the subject of a major police investigation and a royal commission examining antisemitism and social cohesion.
Rabbi Noach Koncepolski, founder of Mitzvah House, addressed those present, speaking of the pain caused by the attack and the strength shown by the community in the months that followed.
Prayers at the site of the Bondi tragedy (photo supplied)
“Six months ago, our community witnessed something horrific. An act of violence shattered the sense of security that so many people felt in this area,” Rabbi Koncepolski said.
“Yet over these past six months we have also witnessed something remarkable. We have seen people come together in unity and acts of kindness. We have seen strangers helping strangers. We have seen more Torah learning, more mitzvot, more prayer, and more concern for one another.”
Organisers also thanked NSW Police for their presence and support in helping ensure the safety of those who attended.
The gathering concluded with prayers for the families still mourning, for those injured in the attack, and for peace and security across the community.
