For a third consecutive day, crowds have gathered at Bondi Pavilion in Sydney to pay their respects to the victims of the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach. The site has become a sea of floral tributes, candles, and personal mementos as the community comes together to mourn and remember.
A Community United in Grief
The memorial, which began spontaneously on Monday, has continued to grow in scale and emotional depth. Wednesday, 18th December 2025, saw a steady stream of visitors arriving to lay flowers, offer prayers, and leave stuffed animals in a powerful display of collective sorrow. The attack, which authorities have described as an antisemitic shooting, targeted an event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights.
Poignant Personal Tributes
Among the countless items left, several stand out for their heartbreaking specificity. A copy of Matilda by Roald Dahl was placed near a section dedicated to the attack's youngest victim, 10-year-old Matilda. A tribute was also left for Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the adults killed in the violence. Interfaith solidarity was evident, with a Holy Bible resting among the flowers and handwritten Tehillim, or psalms, left for the Jewish victims.
The memorial also features symbols of hope and innocence. Hanukkah balloons float above the site, while a hand painting from a local kindergarten class and a plush kangaroo sitting at the centre offer touching reminders of the life and community the attack sought to disrupt. Candles have been lit throughout the week, illuminating the growing tribute as night falls.
An Attack That Shocked a Nation
The shooting, which unfolded over ten minutes of terror last Saturday, has left an indelible mark on Sydney and Australia. The gathering at Bondi Pavilion represents a public, communal response to the tragedy, a place for people to share their grief and show support for the victims' families and the wider Jewish community. As the investigation continues, this evolving memorial stands as a testament to resilience and unity in the face of hatred.
