As the world wakes up to the tragic news out of Bondi Beach, prominent sports and entertainment voices have offered tributes to those affected, while condemning the horrific events.
Perth-raised singer and actor Troye Sivan, who attended Carmel School — a Jewish day school in Dianella — said his heart was broken for his community.
“The Australian Jewish community — my community — suffered a terrorist attack tonight, on the first night of Chanukah, on Bondi Beach,” he shared to Instagram.
“My heart is broken. Thinking tonight of the victims and their families, the Bondi and wider Sydney communities, and for every Jewish person in this country.
“This is not who we are as Australians. Sending so much love to all.”
It is believed a Sydney-based father and son were responsible for opening fire on revellers at a Chanukah celebration, resulting in thousands of panicked beach-goers fleeing the popular strip, and 15 innocent lives being lost.
Jewish figure and actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who lived temporarily in Perth during COVID to be closer to the family of ex-wife Isla Fisher, said faith should not dictate the value of a person’s life.
“Hanukkah, 2025, Bondi Beach. It could be your family, your child. No one should die because of their faith. May their memory be a blessing — and a light toward tolerance and peace. #StopTheHate”, he wrote to social media.
Fisher, who now resides with her three kids in London, echoed her former husband’s sentiments.
“Our light will not be dimmed. Tonight we light for Bondi,” she wrote, referencing the ceremonial pastime of lighting candles on Chanukah, which repeats on each of the festival’s eight nights.
Sydney-raised actor Rose Byrne said she was “shocked” by the events that unfolded in a country as safe as Australia.
“I am so horrified by the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach, in my beautiful hometown of Sydney,” she shared to social media.
“Me heart goes out to the victims, their families & the Jewish community. Australia is one of the safest places in the world to practice any religion and am shocked, heartbroken & horrified by this unspeakable news.”
Popular figure Oprah Winfrey reflected on her time in Australia, revealing she was at the famed beach strip just days prior.
“I just spent the last 2 weeks in Australia, walking Bondi just days ago feeling the openness and ease that lives there,” she wrote to Threads.
“It’s hard to reconcile that sense of peace with the terror of last night. My heart breaks for the victims, their families and loved ones, and all you Aussies.”
Los Angeles-based actor Rebel Wilson, who was born in Sydney, labelled the events “un-Australian” and condemned both gun violence and antisemitism in this country.
“Just waking up the news about what’s happened on Bondi Beach. An absolute tragedy that is the most un-Australian thing to have happen,” she wrote to Instagram.
“We shouldn’t have gun violence in Australia, we shouldn’t have antisemitism — it’s not us! Thinking of everyone affected by this devastating violence.”
Singer Kylie Minogue wrote simply, “My heart is with you Bondi”.
While Sydney-born comic Jim Jefferies said he was “very angry”, and heaped praise on a man who wrestled the gun out of one of the shooter’s hands, labelling him a “f***** legend”.
Leading tributes from the sports world, Australian Test cricket captain Pat Cummins encouraged people to donate blood to assist those still battling injury.
“Absolutely devastated by the horror last night in Bondi,” he shared to Instagram.
“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi and our Jewish community during this time.
“If you can, please book an appointment to donate blood.”
With the country in the throes of an Ashes campaign, both teams have sent tributes to the communities affected as the events make waves around the world.
“Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach yesterday evening,” Cricket Australia wrote to X.
“All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people pf Australia at this deeply distressing time.
Aussie basketball star Patty Mills said it was important for the community to unite in these circumstances, and not be divided further.
“Heartbroken by what’s happened in Sydney. Holding space for the families and community affected. Moments like this remind us how important it is to look after one another,” he wrote to X.
AFL club Sydney Swans released a statement, offering condolences to all affected while showing appreciation for emergency services.
“We are thinking of everyone affected by the Bondi tragedy this evening,” the club said on Sunday night.
“Bondi is part of our community and we are deeply saddened by these events.
“We are sending condolences to all, and out thoughts and thanks are also with the NSW emergency service personnel.”
Former swimmer and performer Cody Simpson, who is currently in Los Angeles, said Australians deserve to feel safe in their own country.
“Woke up the news of heartbreak, tragedy and outright evil in Bondi Beach,” he wrote to his Instagram story.
“My heart breaks to bits for the victims and families. And my heart breaks over the fact that the Australian Jewish community cannot feel safe in their own country.
“Our country deserves to be a safe place for every human being. Today has proven that evil exists in Australia and I hope as a nation we can work toward a culture of peace and harmony again.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.perthnow.com.au ’
