The British Jewish community – itself still reeling from a terror attack in Manchester in October which killed two community members – has reacted to this morning’s attack which has claimed 11 lives
December 14, 2025 12:05
Jewish community and religious leaders have reacted to the terror attack at Bondi Beach, Australia that has claimed a dozen lives.
The attack, which took place at a Chabad-organised Chanukah event has left 12 people dead, including one of two shooters, and some 29 injured.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said the “unspeakable atrocity” is “absolutely heartbreaking” in a statement posted to social media.
Listing the Hebrew names of sthe injured, Chief Rabbi Mirvis called on people to join him in prayer for “everyone affected by this heinous act”.
These are Hebrew names of the injured which have been shared with me so far. Please join me in praying for them, that they will have a refuah shelema - a complete and swift recovery.
— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) December 14, 2025
Reuven Ben Manya
Chaya Mushka bas Shterna Sara
Feivel Eliezer ben Dobra Bella
Arsan ben Amelia…
Progressive Judaism co-leads, Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, said they are “shocked and heartbroken by the horrific attack.”
They said: “Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of those lost, and our thoughts are with the entire Australian Jewish community at this unimaginably painful time.
“Violence at a moment meant for light, gathering, and celebration is profoundly devastating. We stand in solidarity with all those affected, holding them in our hearts.
“May the injured find strength to heal, may mourners feel supported, and may the light and resilience of Chanukah endure even in the darkest moments.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it is in touch with its Australian partners at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry to express solidarity and offer support.
“We have also been in touch with the UK Government, who are monitoring the situation closely, to discuss the UK response.”
A Board spokesperson added: “While our thoughts are primarily with our Australian Jewish brothers and sisters at this time, our UK Jewish community leadership is in conversation with the Government and police about increased security provision here as well. We want our community to celebrate Chanukah safely and proudly. We will defeat this darkness with our light.”
We are devastated to hear reports of a shooting attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, with multiple fatalities at a Jewish Hanukkah event.
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) December 14, 2025
While details emerge, we have been in touch with our Australian partners at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry to express our… pic.twitter.com/GX4tyOegyi
Only days earlier, the Board was part of the J7 coalition of international Jewish organisations which visited Australia in a solidarity trip to urge the Australian government to do more to tackle antisemitism.
The Conference of European Rabbis (CER), which is based in Germany, said it was “devastated by the murderous attack” where a “festival of light was shattered by terror.”
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of CER, said: “We mourn with the Jewish community of Sydney and with the families mourning loved ones murdered in cold blood simply for being Jews. This brutal hatred, unchecked in the West, must be confronted and stopped.”
The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) – which on Tuesday will be hosting a public menorah lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square – said they were “devastated and angered” at the attack and said it would be working with law enforcement to ensure events this week can go ahead safely.
Elsewhere, the CST is holding meetings this morning to discuss increasing security and policing at Chanukah-related public events in the UK.
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