Community Shabbat at Bondi Beach

Members of the Jewish and Waverley communities gathered with dignitaries, faith leaders and special guests for a Shabbat dinner at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, in a powerful display of unity and resilience.

Co‑hosted by Waverley Council and the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, the event was dedicated to strengthening social cohesion, honouring the local community and celebrating shared values of unity, reflection and fellowship.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said guests included families of victims of the 14 December terror attack at Bondi Beach, as well as survivors, first responders and representatives of organisations that provided support and care in its aftermath.

“Hosting Shabbat at Bondi offered a meaningful opportunity to bring our community together through one of Judaism’s most enduring traditions,” Cr Nemesh said. “At a time when many are seeking connection, a communal gathering like this is a simple yet profound way to build relationships, bridge generational and cultural divides, and celebrate the rich Jewish heritage that forms part of Waverley’s identity.”

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip said Shabbat has, for thousands of years, brought Jewish families and communities together each Friday to welcome the Sabbath in a spirit of rest, reflection and connection.

“To share that tradition at Bondi Beach with government representatives, interfaith leaders, survivors, first responders and members of the broader Eastern Suburbs community was deeply meaningful,” Mr Ossip said. “In the wake of the tragic Bondi attack, the solidarity shown with the Jewish community has been particularly moving. We are grateful to Waverley Council and all those who attended, and we hope this will be one of many opportunities to strengthen the bonds that unite us.”

Following the attack on the Chanukah by the Sea celebration, Waverley Council committed to a range of measures to provide ongoing direct and indirect support to the Jewish community, including a renewed focus on social cohesion. Cr Nemesh said this included creating opportunities for collective healing and visible expressions of resilience and solidarity.

“Bondi’s strong Jewish heritage and its reputation as a place of tolerance and respect make it especially fitting for such a gathering,” he said.

The dinner was supported by several donors, including financial contributions from Scentre Group and the Commonwealth Bank.

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Because of Shabbat, there are no images of the event.