A Note to Sydney in the Wake of the Bondi Beach Attack

Hi Sydney,

It’s been a horrifying couple of days, but especially so for our Jewish community and Bondi locals. We’ve seen a senseless and devastating antisemitic attack on a celebration of the first day of Hanukkah. The kind of celebration that makes Sydney a brighter place to live.

Bondi is an Australian icon. A stretch of sand we’re known for around the world. But at its core, Bondi is a tight-knit neighbourhood with a palpable sense of community. Early-risers dashing into the ocean, families wandering along the boulevard. People working out and meeting their friends. Surfers and surf lifesavers, creatives and small business operators. A flourishing dining scene. Brits working abroad, young families, the elderly. It’s hard to know what to do now, after so much terror.

The NSW Government has set up a dedicated site with verified information, support services and a space to share online messages of solidarity. Lifeline has shared a wellbeing support guide, and services are available 24/7 via Beyond Blue, Mental Health Line and Kids Helpline.

While we grieve and process what has happened, we stand with all those this tragedy touches. Reach out to your Jewish friends. Check in on your community. If you are able, give blood or donate to verified Go Fund Me fundraisers. Take time offline and squeeze your loved ones.

Over the past 36 hours, my thoughts have kept returning to our first responders – and scenes of everyday people rushing in to help. Of police, paramedics and lifesavers. Of Ahmed al Ahmed. Of Sofia and Boris Gurman. Of people in their wet swimmers providing CPR. Of lifesavers running barefoot towards the danger, supplies over their shoulders. Of restaurants becoming shelters. And now, of the hours-long queues in the hot sun to donate blood. It’s this bravery, humanity and kindness, given freely to strangers, that unites us, and that speaks more than anything to the character of our city.

With love,
Grace MacKenzie
Sydney food and drink editor

Please note, this letter was first published in the Broadsheet Sydney newsletter sent at 6am on Tuesday December 16, 2025. It has been edited after updated information about Sofia and Boris Gurman became available.