Holocaust Centre Of New Zealand Condemns Bondi Beach Shooting: “Never Again Is Now”

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand expresses its profound shock and deep sorrow following the deadly shooting of Jewish community members and others at Bondi Beach as families around the world gathered to light the first candle of Chanukah.

“Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the families of those murdered and wounded,” said Deborah Hart, Chair of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand. “This was an attack not only on innocent people but on the belief that we can live freely and without fear. No community should ever have to endure such horror.”

A rise in antisemitism has been documented in Australia over recent years — a rise mirrored in New Zealand. Jewish communities on both sides of the Tasman, and world-wide, are facing heightened threats, requiring heavy security at places of worship and at cultural or religious events. “New Zealand Jews, like our Australian brethren, now live with increased fear and vigilance,” Ms Hart said. “I have MC’d many Chanukah in the Park events in New Zealand over the years — events just like the one in Bondi. We don’t hold them any more. We can’t.”

The Centre notes the painful symbolism of this attack occurring during Chanukah — the festival of light.

“Chanukah is a time when we celebrate resilience, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness,” Ms Hart said. “To have such violence inflicted on Jews at this moment is a devastating reminder that antisemitism continues to manifest in the most brutal ways.”

The Holocaust Centre strongly condemns this act of violence and the antisemitism that underpins it.

“Antisemitism has no place in our world,” Ms Hart said. “Hate starts small, but history shows us where it can lead — to places of unimaginable horror. That is why we must confront it wherever and whenever it appears. Never again is now.”

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia and worldwide, and calls on leaders, institutions, and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand to reaffirm their commitment to rejecting antisemitism.

“Moments like this must strengthen our resolve to educate, to remember, and to stand together,” Ms Hart said. “Light will always be stronger than darkness.”

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