Our hearts are heavy this morning.
Today, Sunday, December 14, 2025, a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia became the scene of a terror attack. Early police updates said the casualties were still being confirmed, and later reporting indicated 12 people are dead as a 10 year old girl died at the hospital and 29 more are injured, including two police officers. The numbers may change again as families are notified and hospitals continue treating the wounded.
This was not random violence. Officials described it as a targeted antisemitic attack on Jewish families gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at a community event known as “Chanukah by the Sea,” hosted by Chabad in Sydney. Investigators have also said suspicious items were found nearby, including reports of improvised explosive devices connected to a suspect vehicle, which adds another layer of horror to what was already unthinkable.
Like you, we cannot stop thinking about the children. This was a family event—kids playing on the beach, parents standing close by—until gunfire turned everything into panic. Parents were frantic for their children, and some could not even get to them because bullets were still flying. Wayne and Vanessa Miller later shared the terror of searching for their 3-year-old as the attack unfolded.
We also learned that Rabbi Eli Schlanger, connected to Chabad in Sydney, was among those killed.
As followers of Jesus, we do not shrug at this. We do not look away. We grieve with those who grieve, and we name evil for what it is.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15, NIV)
And we take seriously the call to protect life and confront hatred:
“Do not stand by while your neighbor’s blood is shed. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:16, NIV)
If you feel angry, saddened, shaken, you’re not overreacting. When Jewish families can be targeted at a public holiday celebration, it is a warning to the whole world. Antisemitism does not stay contained. It spreads when it’s excused, minimized, or tolerated.
So today, Christian Women For Israel is praying for the grieving families, the wounded, and the Jewish community around the world, but especially for Sydney and across Australia. We are also praying for softened hearts and courage from leaders, supernatural protection for Jewish communities, and severe consequences for those who preach and practice Jew-hatred. And we are praying for God's peace and comfort for the many witnesses who will never unhear that sound, never unsee that panic, and who will need care in the days ahead.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, comfort every parent, every child, every family shattered by this attack. Bring healing to the wounded and mercy to those who are traumatized. Protect Jewish communities in Australia and around the world. Expose plots before they unfold. Strengthen the righteous and silence hatred. Let Your light overcome the darkness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
