In the aftermath of Bondi.
Tragedy to Collective Action.
Some moments divide time into before and after.
Sunday 14 December 2025 was one of them.
The tragedy, pain and trauma of the Chanukah attack at Bondi Beach on 15 December, which claimed 15 innocent lives, has changed our country forever.
For the Jewish community, it was a devastating validation of our worst fears and darkest predictions. For Australia, it was a reckoning.
In the days that followed, Dor, alongside the Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) and Australian Jewish Funders (AJF), helped mobilise a unified financial response. The Bondi Community Relief Appeal was established to deliver urgent support where it was needed most - to victims and front line community organisations.
Dor is proud to have contributed to the community’s crisis response and recovery efforts, in a truly whole-of-community collaboration. Dor continues to play an active role, contributing capability, data and coordination where it is most needed.
In the days that followed, growing national momentum led to the establishment of a Royal Commission, which was announced on January 15, 2026.
Dor Guardians stepped forward, showing leadership in their own spheres and rallying educators and business leaders to move beyond statements and towards action.
“Our country has done a lot for me and I’ve always considered myself blessed to feel at home here, and have always tried my best to reciprocate and to make a positive contribution.
I believe now is the time for our government to show real leadership and take urgent, tangible steps to identify the circumstances leading to the Bondi terrorist attack, to unify the community, and make Australia safe for all Australians.”
Alex Vynokur, Dor Guardian
Our Chair, Josh Frydenberg, visited Bondi on 17 December and in a powerful and heartfelt speech, gave voice to collective grief and resolve that was heard across the country. It was a warning grounded in a sombre reality, and focused on the actions that must come next to prevent another tragedy from occurring.
“The massacre at Bondi is the greatest stain on our nation. I’m here to mourn but I’m also here to warn. Unless our governments, Federal and State, take urgent, unprecedented and strong action, as night follows day, we will be back grieving the loss of innocent life in another terrorist attack in our country.”
The Hon, Josh Frydenberg, Dor Chair
Speech at Bondi, 17th December 2025
Watch his powerful address here.
“This was a targeted act of violence against Jewish Australians, carried out in a place symbolic of Australian life.
It has shaken not only our sense of personal security, but a long-held belief in Australia as a place where people can live freely without fear.
On our darkest days, it also brought out the very best of Australia - the heroes who responded, who stood up, and who stood shoulder to shoulder with me, and with the Jewish community”.
Tahli Blicblau
CEO, Dor Foundation
