Media Release: Bondi Beach

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the violent attack in Bondi last night.

My thoughts are with the victims, those who have been injured, and the families and friends now facing unimaginable grief. I also acknowledge the profound distress this incident has caused across the community.

I thank NSW Police, paramedics and first responders for their swift, brave and professional actions in the face of danger. And to our medical teams who have worked through the night.

In May, during a speech in Parliament on antisemitism,

I quoted Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, who said: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” I also reflected on the words of another survivor, Eddie Jaku, who urged us: “Just walk beside me and be my friend.”

At moments like this, those words matter. Each of us has a choice in how we respond, with fear, or with solidarity, with division, or with humanity.

To our brothers & sisters in the Jewish community in Australia, particularly as Hanukkah begins, I say clearly: we walk beside you. As Rabbi Zalman of Liadi taught, a little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.

Australia is a nation built on respect, tolerance, and community. We stand together against violence and hatred in all its forms.

The actions of these terrorists will not define us. Our response will.