Archbishop Makarios of Australia joined the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, and senior federal and state government figures at Bondi Pavilion on Friday to pay their respects following the devastating terror attack that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.
The December 14 attack, declared a terrorist incident inspired by Islamic State (ISIS) ideology, targeted the “Chanukah by the Sea” (sic.) vevent organised by Chabad of Bondi. Two gunmen—a father and son—opened fire on the gathering, killing 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and a Holocaust survivor, and injuring dozens more.
Interfaith solidarity at Bondi Pavilion
Archbishop Makarios, accompanied by Bishop Christoforos of Kerasous, was present at the midday tribute where community and political leaders gathered amid flowers, candles and handwritten messages left outside the pavilion. A minute of silence was observed as prayers were offered for the victims and their families. Government representatives included NSW Ministers Sophie Cotsis, Courtney Houssos and shadow minister, Eleni Petinos, alongside Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek.
Archbishop Makarios and NSW Minister Courtney Houssos, both in deep reflection, as they review the many condolence cards and offerings. Photo: Supplied
Prayers were offered for the victims, including by Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who organised the event. The lunchtime visit followed a massive morning paddle-out ceremony at Bondi Beach. Thousands formed a silent circle on the water to mourn the victims. With funerals ongoing and security heightened, such events reinforce resolve against antisemitism and violence.
Archbishop Makarios, Rabbi Eli Schlanger leading prayers, flanked by NSW Ministers Courtney Houssos Sophie Cotsis and Eleni Petinos. Photo: Supplied
The gathering underscored a visible show of interfaith solidarity at a time of deep national grief. Earlier, thousands had taken part in a paddle-out ceremony at Bondi Beach, forming a silent circle on the water in memory of those killed.
With funerals continuing and security heightened, the events served as a collective rejection of antisemitism and political violence.
Archbishop Makarios: ‘Violence betrays faith’
Speaking at the memorial, Archbishop Makarios delivered a strong message of condolence, unity and moral clarity, and rejected any attempt to justify violence through religion.
“On behalf of the Greek Orthodox Church in this country, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and, most importantly, to the Jewish community,” he said.
“We are here today to show our support and solidarity with the Jewish community and with this nation, and to declare that we live on this shared land in peace, harmony, and love.”
“We are here today to show our support and solidarity with the Jewish community and with this nation, and to declare that we live on this shared land in peace, harmony, and love,” Archbishop Makarios
The Archbishop condemned religious extremism and said that “a person who commits violence in the name of any religion is truly upholding that religion. Rather, they betray it”.
“We must make it very clear: there is no God in this world who declares that killing your neighbour is something good,” the Archbishop said.
Makarios also reflected on Australia’s social fabric, describing unity, cohesion and coexistence as values that must be actively defended.
“We have to continue living in the same way. Australia is the best country in the world because everybody can live here, and everybody can feel secure,” he said.
“Everyone can feel that this country is safe. We must continue in this spirit, and we must all work together in unity, love, and peace.”
As communities across the country continue to mourn, Friday’s gathering at Bondi Pavilion stood as a powerful reminder of shared values across faiths—and of a collective determination to uphold social cohesion in the face of hatred and terror.
