Reflections on the Bondi Massacre
16 December 2025 - Rahel Landrum
The Jewish prophet Isaiah wrote: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isa 9:2).
Without doubt, the Jewish community in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney have experienced one of the darkest nights imaginable. As they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, the festival of Lights, terrorists opened fire on unarmed civilians – fathers, mothers, children, and the elderly. So far, sixteen people are dead and many more are injured, with some in critical condition.
Mark and I live about five minutes from where the event took place. We heard a series of loud consecutive boom sounds. I immediately thought it was the sound of rifles, but I dismissed it. This is not my home country of Israel, this is Sydney, Australia. It must be fireworks. But then came the commotion of police car sirens and the sound of helicopters. Incredulous, we looked outside from our balcony and then turned on the news. Suddenly, we were confronted with the evil massacre that was unfolding.
Our hearts are broken for those who have lost loved ones – some right in front of their eyes – in such a callous and violent way. Our hearts are broken for those who are still in hospital recovering from their wounds. Our hearts are broken for families overseas who tried in vain to contact loved ones they knew were at the event. One such family has now received the devastating news that their son is among the victims.
In a few days’ time, we will remember the birth of our Messiah, Yeshua, Jesus. John 1:5 says: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Yeshua, Jesus, declared: “I am the light of the world.” He then made a promise: “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
On Hanukkah, we’re supposed to put a Hanukkah candelabra in the window for all to see the light. This is to remind us of the victory that God gave to the Jewish people in order for them to regain control of the Jerusalem Temple, when it was desecrated by the ancient Syrian-Greek empire around 168 BCE.
As followers of Yeshua, Jesus, we are to let our light shine before others so they might see our good works and give glory to God (Matt 5:16). Each of us is to be a living, breathing hanukkiah!
Please pray that God will give Mark and me the grace to be able to do and be just that for the Jewish community in Sydney – a light to those who are hurting, mourning, and feeling anxious and unsafe. Pray that God will give us the opportunity to comfort those who mourn and to lead them to the hope we have in our Messiah, Yeshua.
Rahel Landrum
Photo by Matt Hardy on Unsplash