A week on from tragedy, Sydney stands united

2 hours ago 2

Editorial

December 21, 2025 — 5.00am

Last Sunday, members of Sydney’s Jewish community gathered at Bondi Beach for the first night of Hanukkah.

There was music, doughnuts and even a petting zoo as young and old celebrated the start of the eight-day festival, which marks the endurance of Jewish life.

The sea of flowers at Bondi on Saturday.

Captured in family photos and videos those behind the camera could never have known their images would soon be broadcast to millions as that sun-filled, carefree afternoon soon turned into the darkest day in this city’s recent memory.

Fifteen people senselessly lost their lives last Sunday, in what was the nation’s largest mass shooting since Port Arthur. But, while the political response to that tragedy was at first bipartisan, the events of the past week have been anything but, with the Coalition quick to blame the federal government for failing to implement its antisemitism envoy’s recommendations.

The political mudslinging in Canberra stands in stark contrast to the response of Sydneysiders themselves, faced with communities in mourning, dozens hospitalised for their injuries, and one of the city’s most iconic locations forever tarnished, they have united in grief and support.

On Monday morning, queues at blood banks stretched out the door at a time of year when Lifeblood often struggles to get donations. In the 24 hours after the shooting, more than 50,000 donation appointments were booked.

That night, it was not just the Jewish community who gathered to light another candle. On social media, people of all faiths and none posted images of their own candles, burning alongside Christmas trees, in front windows and on summer-warmed verandahs. NSW Premier Chris Minns chose to illuminate the sails of the Opera House with a menorah; one icon of this city paying tribute to the atrocities that occurred at another.

On each day of the festival that celebrates the Jews’ endurance in the darkness, Sydneysiders of all faiths and none have done what they can to stand beside them, and keep their light burning through the most horrible of days.

Each victim’s funeral brought a new wave of grief to each passing day of Hanukkah: the wails of those who loved Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the bumblebee stickers for 10-year-old Matilda.

The sixth day of Hanukkah began with a paddle-out at Bondi, the thousands gathered there in solidarity providing perhaps the first hope that one day the beach – where restaurants have begun to reopen their doors – may be a place that all Australians feel safe again.

And now, Sydney is here on the seventh day since this tragic event.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called today a National Day of Reflection, encouraging all Australians to light a candle at 6.47pm – exactly one week since the terrorist attack – and observe a minute’s silence as a way to honour the victims and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

But it is also a fitting call to unity. The events at Bondi Beach affect us all, and all Australians have a right to feel safe living their daily lives.

Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.