Hundreds gather for Shabbat in Bondi
Around 300 people gathered in Bondi for a communal Shabbat dinner honouring victims and survivors.
Hundreds of members from the Jewish and broader Waverley communities came together at Bondi Beach on Friday night for a special Shabbat dinner, honouring those affected by the December 14 terrorist attack and celebrating shared values of unity and healing.
The event, co-hosted by Waverley Council and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD) at Bondi Pavilion, drew an estimated 300 people, including families of victims, survivors, first responders and representatives of organisations that provided support in the aftermath of the December 14 attack on the Chanukah by the Sea celebration.
Among those present was Ahmed al-Ahmed, the hero who disarmed one of the gunmen.
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the gathering offered a meaningful opportunity to bring the community together through one of Judaism’s most enduring traditions.
“At a time when many are seeking connection, a communal gathering like this was a simple yet profound way to build relationships, bridge generational and cultural divides, and celebrate the rich Jewish heritage that forms part of Waverley’s identity,” he said.
“Bondi’s strong Jewish heritage and its reputation as a place for tolerance and respect make it especially fitting for such a gathering.”
JBD president David Ossip said sharing Shabbat with government representatives, interfaith leaders, survivors and first responders was deeply meaningful.
“For thousands of years, Shabbat has brought Jewish families and communities together each Friday, to mark the Sabbath, in a spirit of rest, reflection and connection,” Mr Ossip said.
“In the wake of the tragic Bondi attack, the solidarity shown with the Jewish community has been particularly moving. We are grateful to Waverley Council and all those who attended, and we hope this will be one of many opportunities to strengthen the bonds that unite us.”
To enhance the feeling of togetherness and community, attendees were encouraged to introduce themselves to strangers at the event.
Chabad of Bondi’s Rabbi Yehoram Ulman also addressed the gathering.
The dinner, held in the courtyard of Bondi Pavilion, received financial support from Scentre Group and the Commonwealth Bank.