Terror Bondi Beach Australia

'I've got your daughter; I've been protecting her.' Woman protecting a child, no relation.

Bondi in better times

Sunday, 14th December 2025 - the day two terrorists brought violence to world renown Bondi Beach, 7km from Sydney. I'm a fan writing from New Zealand about this popular tourist destination. I offer my condolences to the families who lost loved ones. The events of the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shootings were larger in scale in terms of the loss of lives, but the impact of both events was just as devastating. Australians and New Zealanders share together both shock and empathy, shock that evil exists within the two terrorists at Bondi and the loner in Christchurch.

One week ago, Bondi Beach one was alive with the energy of summer, attracting both locals and tourists to its warm golden sands.

First impression

30 years ago, I visited Sydney and Bondi Beach for the first time. To me Sydney and Bondi are synonymous, they go hand in hand. My preconception of Sydney as a beautiful city worth exploring was justified. Bondi was incredible, the glistening sand, the joy of people capturing the warmth of the sun and the sound of crashing waves. I was surprised at the strength of the waves and the steepness of the beach. Later visits to Australia’s iconic beach reinforced Bondi's reputation for sun, surf, and sand.

A week ago

A week ago, the shoreline would have been bustling with activity as summer temperatures hovered around 20–26°C, creating warm conditions for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Families would have spread out picnic blankets, and backpackers mingled with locals, while surfers rode the rolling waves.

Terror a week later

Hanukkah was instituted by the sages and is considered a rabbinic Jewish holiday. It reaffirms Jewish faith and identity.

On 14 December at Bondi Beach, a Hanukkah celebration called “Chanukah by the Sea” was being celebrated. The men, allegedly father and son, violently attacked beachgoers in what authorities declared to be a terrorist incident. At least 16 people were killed, including a child and one of the terrorists, and more than 40 others were injured.

Bondi recovering its mojo

A month ago, I visited Christchurch for a family event. My partner and I explored the inner city, we marveled at the beauty of the central business district, The 2011 earthquake damaged much of the inner city and suburbs. Over the years recovery efforts have been fruitful, a credit to the city council, town planners, government agencies, and contractors. The impact of the 2019 terrorist attack was traumatic and despicable, leaving permanent scars on survivors.

To me, Christchurch has regained its mojo, a progressive and vibrant city for all who are part of the community and for others who are just visiting. There is no doubt in my mind, Bondi after a time, will be a memorial to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack, yet still be enjoyed by thousands for its sun, surf, and sand under a clear blue sky.