Local churches have been moved by the tragic terrorist attack that took place at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14.

Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old child, were killed and a further 42 were injured when a father and son opened fire on a beachside gathering where revellers were celebrating the first day of Hanukkah.

The older of the two attackers was also killed and his son was injured.

Authorities have confirmed the Jewish community was intentionally targeted.

St Alban’s Anglican Church Mooroopna Priest Father Simon Robinson has arranged a ‘Prayer for Peace in Australia’ on Monday, December 15, from 7pm to 8pm.

He said he wanted to offer an opportunity for people to come and sit in a quiet and safe place, pausing in the middle of advent, to pray.

“People will be feeling a bit shocked, sad and horrified about another terrorist attack in Australia,” he said.

“It’s been a couple of years of people being angry on our streets.

“And it’s completely unnecessary with just how blessed we are; there’s so much to be thankful for in our country.”

Fr Robinson said everyone was welcome to attend the brief service, light a candle, and pray to God to bring some peace to the world in the season of Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus, who is also known as the ‘Prince of Peace’.

The one-hour service begins at 7pm at St Alban’s Church, 15-17 Young St, Mooroopna.

Shepparton Interfaith Network also extended its sympathies to the victims of the shooting.

“This was an appalling attack on the Chabad Jews of NSW during their Hanukkah by the Sea event at Bondi Beach,” Shepparton Interfaith Network’s Reverend Chris Parnell said.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone impacted by this unspeakable act of violence targeting our Australian Jewish community.

“We extend our sympathies to the Jewish community, who will be deeply impacted by this terrorist incident, at a time of year when they should be coming together to celebrate the start of Hanukkah with family and friends.”

Rev Parnell said Shepparton had a unique connection to Chabad Jewry with the former synagogue in Channel Rd being the first Chabad synagogue in Australia.

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Wednesday, 24th December 2025

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