‘Come in love, come in solidarity’: Community vigil to be held in wake of Bondi attack

Alexandra Giorgianni
Alexandra Giorgianni Updated December 15, 2025 - 2.42pm (AWST), first published at 11.30am (AWST)

A healing vigil will be held Monday evening in Hyde Park, Sydney, following the terrorist attack that has left the nation in mourning.

On Sunday, two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, killing 15 people - including at least one child - and injuring 42 others.

Authorities believe the attack was a deliberate antisemitic attack, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemning Sunday's events as "an act of pure evil".

"What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores," Mr Albanese said.

In response to the attack, community members are planning a healing vigil at Sydney's Hyde Park, inviting the public to come together in solidarity and reflection.

Speakers will also be present at the vigil to address the crowd and reaffirm a collective commitment to unity against violence, including rabbis, representatives from the Jewish and Muslim communities, and the Head of Policing. The event aims to provide the much-needed community support and solidarity for all people after the tragic event, and has garnered support from the online community.

"As Indigenous people, we hold a responsibility to safeguard, nurture and send love. It's who we are, who we have always been," read a social media post shared by Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman and human rights advocate.

"This shooting took place on land where this is not the first time such violence has occurred. Truth, our hearts all know this."

"Bring your heart, your spirit, and your knowing and connection," the caption read.

"We gather to send healing to all who were targeted, to those whose lives were taken, and to all who are fighting for life.

"Come as you are. Come in love. Come in solidarity. We will not let fear win, or hate and hurt take over. It's not who we are - it's never who we have been."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vanessa Turnbull Roberts (@nessaturnbullroberts)

Senator Lidia Thorpe also expressed her support for those affected, calling for the nation to come together to offer care and healing for those in need.

"This was an act of antisemitic violence, and I send my love and solidarity to the Jewish community across the country," she said.

"Many people will be profoundly hurting and fearful after this horrific crime. We must respond with care - wrapping our arms around those affected - and rejecting hate and retaliation."

The healing vigil will be held at 5:30 PM at Hyde Park, Sydney, on Gadigal Country. All are welcome.

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