Council Statement on Bondi Beach Attack

Council Statement on Bondi Beach Attack

Published on 16 December 2025

On behalf of Yass Valley Council, a message from the Mayor regarding the Bondi Beach attack.

The community of Yass Valley stands in solidarity with our local Jewish residents, friends, and co-workers across the border in the ACT, throughout Australia, and particularly those in the Waverley Council area of Bondi. Please know that you are not alone.

Yass Valley stands united in grief with Waverley Council and the Jewish community following this week's appalling massacre at Bondi Beach.

This horrific atrocity is an act of evil, terrorism, and antisemitism. Our hearts go out to all those affected, including the brave first responders. We embrace the Jewish community across NSW during this time of unimaginable pain.

We are all feeling the senselessness of this attack and recognise the deep trauma it has inflicted, especially on generations who have experienced past atrocities. We understand that it will take time to comprehend and come to terms with this week's events.

As a nation, we should not allow these criminal acts of two individuals to define who we are. Australia is defined by the courageous actions of the many who put their lives on the line to save others, who ran to care for the injured, and who supported those in need. Together, we reject all forms of antisemitism, hate, and violence against Australia's Jewish communities.

While this horrific event happened in Bondi, its impact is being felt across our entire nation. We stand in solidarity with those grieving and against these criminal acts.

Sharing Information

We ask that you seek credible sources for information and avoid sharing speculation. Please refer to updates from the NSW Police and NSW Government, who are using every resource to ensure community safety.

Connecting

We encourage everyone to reach out to friends, neighbours, congregation members, sporting mates, and those who may be feeling the impact of these events. Ask if they are okay and let them know they are not alone. We are heartened to hear members of our Yass Valley community are connected with the Jewish community in Canberra and are extending their support to them over Hanukkah this weekend.

24/7 support is available through:

• NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

If you are able, please consider donating blood as Lifeblood is calling for donors, particularly 'O type'. Appointments can be made in the coming days and weeks at lifeblood.com.au.

Now more than ever, we must draw on our collective strength and compassion. We applaud those who stepped up, from the first responders to those civilians who performed first aid and helped people to safety.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Ahmed al Ahmed, a Sutherland shop owner and father of two, who selflessly put his life on the line to disarm one of the perpetrators. He undoubtedly saved many more lives. We thank him, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he recovers.

It is only together that we can overcome all forms of hate and violence and ensure every person in our community and our state is safe. By drawing on our strengths to ensure people feel more connected, to each other, friends, families, congregations, neighbourhoods, and communities, this is how we will respond to hate and violence - with light not darkness. This is how we will remain united over the weeks, months, and years ahead.

My prayers are with you all.

Jasmin Jones

Mayor of Yass Valley

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