Christian leaders across Australia condemned a deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney and pledged prayers and support for the Jewish community after Islamist extremists opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens.
The attack occurred Sunday evening, Dec. 14, during a Jewish community event marking the beginning of Hanukkah. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, according to authorities. At least 40 people were injured, several critically, New South Wales police said.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon officially declared the incident terrorism-related. Police said officers responded shortly after 6:40 p.m. to reports of gunfire at Bondi Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Two attackers were confronted at the scene, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. One suspect was killed, and the other was critically injured and taken into custody.
Authorities said the attackers were a father and son allegedly affiliated with the Islamic State group. Investigators recovered multiple firearms and improvised explosive devices from the scene and from related searches conducted overnight in Sydney suburbs. The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team is leading the ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued Monday, Dec. 15, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and denounced antisemitism and violence.
“We have been shocked and sickened by the horrific terrorist attack on Sydney’s Jewish community,” Raffel said. “We embrace our Jewish neighbours and fellow citizens in love, friendship and support. We reject antisemitism, violence and hatred.”
Quoting John 1:5 — “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” — Raffel said the Christian response must be grounded in prayer and compassion.
He called for prayers for those grieving, the injured and traumatized, first responders, and government and security agencies responding to the crisis. He also prayed for peace and recovery in the Bondi community and across Sydney.
Raffel also acknowledged acts of courage shown during the attack, including reports that a local Muslim shop owner intervened to help disarm one of the gunmen.
“During this Jewish festival of Hanukkah, and as Christians prepare for Christmas, we give thanks that Jesus, a Jewish man, came into our world to bring the light of life,” Raffel said.
Bible Society Australia also expressed solidarity, citing Psalm 34:18 in a social media post: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” adding that it was standing in prayer with Sydney.
Christian Media & Arts Australia said faith-based broadcasters across the country responded by calling for prayer and offering pastoral support to affected communities. In a statement, the organization said its members sought to provide calm, reassurance and hope alongside factual reporting as Australians processed the tragedy.
Police said several victims remain hospitalized in critical or serious condition, while two officers wounded during the response are in stable condition. Authorities urged the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.
The attack has sent shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community and renewed concerns over rising antisemitism, as faith leaders across traditions called for unity, prayer and a rejection of hatred and violence.
