How do we process and make sense of the last week? The magnitude of the loss and trauma is incomprehensible. 

I spent the last few days on Bondi Beach, speaking with my friends and family, many of whom were there on Sunday afternoon. The air is heavy, people are grieving and in shock, everything is moving slowly…

The outpouring of love and support from the Australian and Global community has been deeply appreciated and helped the healing process.

On March of the Living we visit sites where Jews have been massacred. Places like Auschwitz, Majdanek, Nova, Be’eri. We listen to testimonies and commit to never forgetting. And then we return to our cocoon in Australia. Our safe place on the edge of the diaspora. The most peaceful place in the world, where we don’t have sites where Jews have been massacred.

Until now.

Bondi Beach will not just be known as the most iconic surf beach in the world. It will now also be associated with the Chanukah terror attack of the 14th December 2025 where so many innocent people were gunned down in broad daylight. 

The Australian Government, along with all Australian citizens, need to double down our efforts to rid our society of hate, extremism and antisemitism. This has to be the first and last terror attack in our country. It is up to all of us to make it so. 

Whilst the 2 terrorists showed us what the worst form of humanity can look like, the people of Bondi have exhibited the best of humanity. So many heroes risked their lives on Sunday to save other people. Boris and Sofia Burson, Reuven Morrison, Ahmad Al-Ahmad, Jess Rozen, Bondi lifeguards, NSW police, CSG, Hatzolah, CHS, locals…. These are the upstanders that we should be inspired to emulate. 

15 people were killed on Sunday. They did not deserve to die like this. Their names are below. We will never forget them and will ensure their memories are kept alive.

Dozens are injured, thousands are traumatised, millions are in shock. 

We are still grieving, but once we lift our eyes to the future, we need to focus on how to create a better Australian society where all are safe, valued and respected. 

How might we build longer tables at our shabbat dinners, and not give in to fear and anger and build higher walls around our families and communities?

How can we ensure that this tragedy will be known as the turning point in Australian history where we came together and collectively decided to all bring more light into the world?

This year I’ve stood in Auschwitz, at Nova, and now at Bondi. 

I’m tired. I’m disillusioned. I’m so sad.

AND at the same time…

I’m a proud Jew, and will continue be a proud Jew.

My response to the rise in antisemitism is to keep building a vibrant and loving Jewish community, to keep raising my kids as proud Jews, and to keep educating as many people as possible about the awe inspiring story of the Jewish people. 

When we light our candles tonight, let us think think about what actions we can each take to bring more light into a world that feels quite dark right now.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Chanukah Sameach and Shabbat Shalom,

Gary

PS: This morning I watched the sunrise at Bondi Beach and shared some reflections which you can watch here.