Why accountability matters more than ever

In December 14, 2025, my family and I were driving home after visiting my brother on Sydney’s North Shore. For a brief moment, we debated whether to attend the Chanukah event at Bondi Beach or another one nearby. In the end, we decided to go home. It had already been a busy weekend, and staying in felt right.

Once we arrived, I felt a strong urge to light the chanukiah for the first night of Chanukah. It wasn’t something we had regularly done before, but as one of our first Chanukahs living in Australia as a family, it suddenly felt important. My youngest son had brought home an “artistic” chanukiah he had made at Pearl Montessori, an inclusive, Jewish daycare in Bondi with Jewish and non-Jewish children and teachers learning together.

Lighting the candles with the kids was unexpectedly special. Something felt different.

Minutes later, my brother called to ask where we were and if we were okay. He told me there had been an attack at Bondi Beach, targeting the Chanukah event.

Instinctively, I slipped into what I can only describe as “post-attack mode” – something I had experienced many times while living in Israel. I sent a flurry of messages to family and friends, scanning news sites and social media for information. A friend who works in security confirmed early reports of a shooting at Bondi and multiple casualties.