Hundreds of swimmers gathered at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach in a powerful show of remembrance and solidarity, following the deadly attack at a Jewish community event which claimed 15 lives.
A Solemn Gathering at Sunrise
On the morning of Wednesday 16 December 2025, members of two local swim clubs, the Great White Swim Club and the Bondi Fairy Penguins, organised a moving tribute. The event was held to honour those who lost their lives and to stand with the Jewish community. A steady stream of people in swimwear filed quietly onto the sand at sunrise, with the turnout described as higher than expected.
Before entering the water, the large crowd observed a minute's silence on the beach. They then paddled out into the ocean to form a vast, several-rows-deep human circle, linking arms and lowering their heads in reflection.
Community Voices of Grief and Resolve
Sarah Davies, a committee member of the Bondi Fairy Penguins, explained the motivation behind the gathering. She stated the groups felt it was 'the right thing to do', especially for members caught up in Sunday's horrific events. 'We felt that it was important for the community to come together and also for us to show support to people who were affected … particularly the Jewish community,' she said.
Lulu Cooper, organiser of the Great White Swim Club, expressed the complex emotions of the day. She described the event as feeling both 'unnecessary because [the attack] was preventable' and yet utterly necessary. 'Because we need to be here for the people who have been the victims of the attack … and for our community who are in pain and who are angry and who feel a whole lot of emotions right now,' Cooper said.
Honouring Courage and Facing Reality
The tribute also served to thank the first responders, including local lifesavers. The gathering began outside the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, which remained inside a police cordon. Piled-up sandals and towels from Sunday were still visible within the taped-off area, which was expected to be lifted later that day.
In a speech, Mick Ormsby of the Bondi Fairy Penguins paid tribute to the victims and the 'utter courage and light and love' of the emergency services and volunteers. He reflected on the beach's future, noting, 'Being in the water is quite soothing and nourishing … it offers momentary comfort … But the reality is still here and that’s what we’re all trying to come to grips with.'
The attack's impact was deeply personal for the close-knit community. Senta Hoyne, whose friends were among the first responders, described turning her car to block a road as the attack unfolded. Lifesaver Lachlan Benson, grateful for the volunteers on patrol that day, called them 'some of the best people you’ll ever meet.'
