Australians are being urged to submit personal accounts of “tragedy, grief, love and support” to a new online archive that will safeguard the memories of the Bondi Beach massacre.
“Remembering Bondi” digital resource launched
The Sydney Jewish Museum has opened “Remembering Bondi”, an online platform where local Jews, residents, witnesses and victims’ families can read, reflect and add photos, videos, poems and stories related to the attack.
Fifteen people were killed in the December 14 assault on a Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach, an event that shocked the nation and focused attention on antisemitism.
“There’s been such an outpouring of emotion, certainly a lot of attractive support and grief but also a lot of love in the weeks following Bondi,” museum spokesperson Geoff Sirmai said.
“From the museum’s point of view it behoves us to collect everything about it from a historical point of view, to be able to notify the story archivally, curatorially so that the events are preserved for the future.”
Launched on Friday, the site had already received many contributions, helping to ensure that memories endure for future generations.
“People are putting up words, pictures, videos even, they’re creating poems, stories and we expect it to be many more.”
The museum plans to transfer the project to a permanent exhibition in mid‑2027, once the museum’s renovation is complete.
The attack was allegedly carried out by a father and son inspired by the ideology of the self‑proclaimed Islamic State group, prompting an outpouring of grief and a large memorial of flowers, cards and toys at Bondi Pavilion.
The museum said its project continues work to preserve the memorial’s “countless tributes”, including thousands of flowers, capturing the “trauma and tragedy, grief, love and support” that followed the attack.
“With ‘Remembering Bondi’ we hope to amplify the healing that has already begun through wide community support,” head curator Roslyn Sugarman said.
The launch follows a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who spent four days in Australia showing solidarity with the Jewish community, a trip that sparked large protests in Sydney, and Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Bondi Beach attack?
On 14 December, a gunman and his son attacked a Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach, killing fifteen people and shocking Australia.
Who created the “Remembering Bondi” project?
The Sydney Jewish Museum launched the online resource to collect and share memories, photos, videos and written reflections from those affected.
How will the memories be preserved in the long term?
The digital archive will be moved to a permanent exhibition at the museum in mid‑2027, ensuring the collected stories remain accessible after the museum’s renovation.
How do you feel this digital archive will influence the way communities remember and heal from such tragedies?
