Registrations open for Bondi memorial ‘We Are One’

Registrations have opened for We Are One, the commemoration and Chanukah celebration marking one year since the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, to be held in Sydney on Sunday, December 6.

Survivors of the attack and family members of the 15 people killed will light candles in remembrance before the evening moves into a Chanukah celebration. The event is being led by Chabad of Bondi with community partners including the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) and the Rabbinical Council of NSW.

Nine Network host Allison Langdon and Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) co-CEO Alex Ryvchin will co-emcee, with addresses from Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and other dignitaries.

Ryvchin said he had been involved in the annual Chanukah event at Bondi Beach first as a child, then as a father and community leader. “My friend and rabbi, Eli Schlanger would host the event every year and I will feel his presence as I host it this year, for him and the victims and survivors,” he said.

He said he first spoke to Langdon after the attack on his former home, a few kilometres up the road from the beach. “Her coverage of the massacre showed millions of Australians the broken hearts of our community. It will be an honour to guide the evening with Allison for the many thousands at Bondi Beach and millions watching at home.

“It will be an evening that will make our spirits soar as we mark what we have lost and celebrate what we remain, proud Australians with hope in our hearts.”

Langdon said the attack had changed the nation.

“On the first anniversary of this terrorist attack we stand together against evil, as one and say never again. It’s opened our eyes, and I hope it’s made us more protective of our Jewish community,” she said. “There is no place for hate in this country. We rise up against it by spreading kindness and showing tolerance. And that is how we can all honour the 15 innocent lives lost, a year ago, here in Bondi.”

Chabad of Bondi’s Rabbi Mendy Ulman said the evening would be an opportunity for Australians of every background to stand together.

“One year ago, fifteen lives were taken from us. We will come together to honour them, to stand with Bondi and with one another, and to answer darkness with light, as Chanukah teaches,” Ulman said. “On 6 December, we will show that even in the face of darkness, light and unity will prevail. We are, and always will be, one.”

The program includes a performance of an original work by composer Elena Kats-Chernin, dedicated to 10-year-old Matilda and the victims of the attack. Other performers include ARIA Award-winning band Monsieur Camembert, Fiddler on the Roof star and violinist Ben Adler, and international Jewish music artists Benny Friedman and Mordechai Shapiro.

The event is supported by the federal and NSW governments.

Gates open at 6pm with the program beginning at 7.30pm. Registration is at weareonebondi.com, with venue and access information provided directly to registered attendees.