Fo Guang Members Attend Sydney Public Memorial, Lighting Candles in Silence for Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

By Bentang

To mourn the innocent lives lost in the Bondi Beach terror attack and to express care and solidarity with the Jewish community, the Most Rev. Anthony Fisher OP, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, hosted a memorial service on the evening of 17 December at the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.

The service was attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Chief Rabbi of the Great Synagogue of Sydney Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton, as well as numerous Members of Parliament, city councillors, religious leaders, and representatives from across the community. Through prayers and the lighting of candles, participants paid tribute to the sanctity of life and collectively affirmed a shared commitment across faiths and cultures to uphold peace and human rights.

Venerable Chueh Shan, Abbess of Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta, attended the memorial by invitation, accompanied by Mr. Daniel Wu, President of the Buddha’s Light International Association of Sydney, and Vice President Ms Monica Hui. During the ceremony, Venerable Chueh Shan joined 15 religious representatives from diverse faith traditions in lighting candles for the 15 victims, illuminating symbolic lamps of remembrance and hope. Together with Archbishop Anthony Fisher, they observed a moment of silent prayer, wishing the deceased eternal peace and strength and healing for the bereaved.

In his address, Prime Minister Albanese said that the Bondi terrorist attack had plunged the nation into deep sorrow, and that the government stood alongside the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and all those affected in sharing their grief. He stressed that this act of violence not only claimed innocent lives but also challenged Australia’s cherished values of safety, respect, and multicultural inclusion. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that hatred, extremism, and violence in any form would not be tolerated, and that the government would continue to safeguard public safety and religious freedom so that people can live their public lives free from fear. He also commended first responders and community members for their courage and compassion, calling on all Australians to respond to hatred with unity and to heal pain with care, together protecting peace and hope.

NSW Premier Chris Minns stated that the government and the wider community stood in solidarity with the Jewish community, clearly affirming that no community would be left isolated. He reiterated New South Wales’ firm commitment to defending public safety, religious freedom, and multicultural harmony, ensuring that all people can live without fear. He emphasised that hatred and violence cannot shake Australia’s core values, and that true strength lies in the unity, courage, and practical action shown by society in critical moments.

In his remarks, Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton urged governments to take stronger action to decisively confront all forms of extremism that incite hatred and violence, in order to safeguard shared social values. He encouraged communities to move forward united in faith and paid tribute to all who bravely protected life, including non-Jewish individuals who acted with courage, highlighting the light and responsibility inherent in humanity.

The organisers noted that the memorial was not only an occasion to mourn the deceased, but also a clear declaration to society that, regardless of faith, all religions stand together against hatred and violence.

Venerable Chueh Shan remarked that Buddhism emphasises compassion and the interdependence of all life. In the face of hatred and fear, she said, responses grounded in understanding, care, and wisdom are essential. Through interfaith prayers, she expressed the hope of bringing calming and reassuring strength to society, transforming grief into shared goodwill and mutual support.

Following the memorial, St Mary’s Cathedral illuminated its exterior as part of the Christmas season observances, paying tribute to the victims and leaving a solemn and enduring mark of peace on the night.