Australian High commission hosts London menorah lighting after Bondi terror attack
Chanukah ceremony at Australia House, organised with the Board of Deputies, honoured victims of Sydney shooting that killed 15
The Board of Deputies and the Australian High Commission held a menorah lighting at Australia House on Monday evening to honour the victims of the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach.
The Chanukah ceremony, held on the second night of the festival, followed Sunday’s mass shooting at a public Chanukah gathering in Bondi. Australian authorities have confirmed the attack was terrorism and that it deliberately targeted the Jewish community.
The event was attended by Jewish communal representatives and staff from the Australian High Commission. Remarks were delivered by Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Elisabeth Bowes PSM, and Adrian Cohen, Senior Vice-President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bowes described the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitic terrorism” and said it had deeply affected Australians at home and abroad.
“What should have been a peaceful celebration on the first day of Chanukah was turned into a tragedy,” she said, adding that the attack had resonated strongly in the UK because of the close ties between the two communities.
Cohen said British Jews felt the loss “deeply” and stood in solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community, noting the many family and communal connections between the two countries.
“We are honoured to be here today to send our love to everyone in Australia affected by this awful tragedy,” he said, paying tribute to bystanders and first responders who intervened during the attack.
Referring to the message of Chanukah, Cohen added: “A small light dispels a lot of darkness,” saying Jewish communities had shown resilience despite rising antisemitism in both countries.
Prayers were recited in memory of those murdered in the attack, with Cohen leading Chanukah prayers as he lit the menorah alongside Bowes. Candles had been placed on the stage in tribute to the victims.
The London event took place as Australia continued to come to terms with its deadliest mass shooting in decades. Fifteen people were killed and dozens were injured when gunmen opened fire at the Bondi Beach Chanukah gathering.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the attack was deliberately targeted at the Jewish community and has pledged further action to combat antisemitism, alongside increased security funding for Jewish organisations.
Bondi Beach remained closed on Monday as counter-terrorism police continued their investigation.
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