Our Big Kitchen honours 9/11 with remembrance event
Our Big Kitchen (OBK) in Bondi marked the anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a community gathering of reflection, remembrance, and unity.
The commemoration on 11 September 2025 paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 2001 terror attacks in the United States, honouring the families torn apart and the communities forever changed. Guests also recognised the courage of first responders and the acts of solidarity shown by ordinary citizens in the face of tragedy.
OBK founder Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin said the anniversary remained a day to reflect on courage and compassion. “September 11 was one of the darkest days in modern history, but it also revealed the strength of humanity. Today, we come together in remembrance and in unity.”
More than 100 participants attended the ceremony, including diplomatic representatives, first responders, faith leaders, and local officials. Among those recognised were US Consul General Jeremy Cornforth, Senator Andrew Bragg, UK Deputy Consul General Edward Kitt, Consul General of Peru Jose Alberto Ortiz, Consul General of El Salvador Jose Vasquez Rivas, NSW Fire and Rescue Acting Superintendent Belinda Hooker, NSW Fire Rural Service Acting Deputy Commissioner Jayson McKellar, NSW Ambulance Chief Chaplain Sarah Day-Weaver, Deputy Mayor of Waverley Council Dr Keri Spooner, Detective Superintendent Jodi Radmore, Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth of Emanuel Synagogue, and Paul Sedrak of the Christian Council of NSW.
OBK co-founder Laya Slavin said the event was a reminder of the values that bring people together. “This event brings our staff, volunteers and supporters together to honour memory, celebrate heroism, and reinforce the community spirit that binds us all.”
The ceremony concluded with reflections on courage, kindness, and solidarity, with OBK inviting participants to carry forward acts of compassion as a living tribute to the legacy of September 11
