Archbishop of Sydney Statement on the Bondi terrorist attack

Posted on December 15, 2025 
Filed under NSW, Sydney Diocese

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

We have been shocked and sickened by the horrific terrorist attack on Sydney’s Jewish community last night at Bondi Beach.

We embrace our Jewish neighbours and fellow citizens in love, friendship and support. We reject antisemitism, violence and hatred.

We pray to the God of all comfort and the Father of compassion, for the safety and protection of the Jewish community. We pray for those grieving the tragic loss of loved ones, those injured or traumatised, for the police and medical workers, and for our government and security agencies as they respond.

We pray for the peace, safety and recovery of the community in Bondi and more widely across Sydney.

We give thanks for the many people who offered help to those around them, including Ahmed al Ahmed who bravely confronted and disarmed one of the gunmen.

During this Jewish festival of Hanukkah, and as Christians anticipate the celebration of Christmas, we give thanks that Jesus, a Jewish man, came into our world of sorrow and sin, to bring the light of life, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
15 December 2025.

— Media statement from Archbishop Kanishka Raffel.

See also the Archbishop’s video version of his statement.

These prayers have been written for anyone who wishes to use them – PDF file.

 

 

Earlier related posts:

Archbishop Kanishka Raffel’s statement on antisemitism — 13 October 2023.

“In recent days we have witnessed repugnant expressions of antisemitism in Sydney which have appalled most Australians and heightened fears among the Jewish community. …”

Action on anti-semitism – SydneyAnglicans, 21 January 2025.

“Any attack on a place of worship is an attack on the principles of freedom of religion, association and conscience, which are foundational for our multicultural and cohesive community,” the Archbishop said in his fourth public statement since the crisis began.

Antisemitic slurs must be rejected – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 10 November 2025.

“The rally staged outside the New South Wales Parliament on Saturday has rightly drawn condemnation from across the community – particularly as it occurred on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 pogrom against Germany’s Jewish community. …”

Threats “will be repudiated by all Australians of goodwill” – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 05 March 2025.

“The threat of a mass shooting against a Western Sydney mosque is abhorrent and distressing, especially as it references the horrific attack in Christchurch that resulted in the murder of 51 people. …”

Further antisemitic attacks – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 13 January 2025.

“For the second time in two months, I am taking the step of expressing the dismay of many Sydneysiders at grotesque acts of antisemitism in our city. …”

Antisemitic attacks – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 11 December 2024.

“The latest attack on the Jewish community in Sydney is egregious, cowardly and despicable. All people of good will, faith or none, will condemn this outrage.…”

Protest action in Sydney Square – Anglican Diocese of Sydney, 30 September 2024.

“It is a long-standing principle that protests around the precincts of St Andrew’s Cathedral, which flow into Sydney Square and the Town Hall, are not supported in any way by the Diocese of Sydney. …”

Prayer for Israel – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 08 October 2023.

“Sydney Anglicans have been shocked and distressed to hear of the attacks on the Jewish people and the State of Israel that have taken place over the last 24 hours. …”

And a reminder to pray for those in authority:

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV.