Vincentians Unite in Prayer for Bondi Victims

On behalf of the 45,000 Members and volunteers of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia, we invite Vincentians around the world to join with us and our fellow Australians in pausing on Thursday evening, 22 January, for the National Day of Mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack.

The Society stands in deep sorrow and in solidarity with the families and loved ones of the 15 innocent people who were killed, all who were injured or traumatised, our Jewish sisters and brothers, and everyone affected by the tragic events that unfolded in Bondi at the Channukah celebrations on 14 December 2025.

We embrace the message chosen by the Bondi Chabad community, ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance,’ as a powerful expression of hope and resilience in the face of darkness. Across Australia, candlelight vigils, the ‘15 Pillars of Light’ installations, and a nationwide minute of silence at 7:01 pm (AEDT) will provide opportunities for collective mourning, prayer and remembrance of the 15 lives lost.

The Society reaffirms that every Jewish person is a cherished and valued part of our community in Australia and around the world. We reject hatred, violence and division in all their forms, and stand for peace, unity and mutual respect.

In keeping with the Society’s mission, we encourage our Vincentian family worldwide to respond with acts of love and service, in the spirit of ‘mitzvah’: checking on neighbours, supporting local businesses, volunteering time or assisting those in need.

In this time of profound grief, may people of every faith and background around the world come together in prayer, reflection, compassion and hope, so that light, justice and peace may overcome fear and division.

Light will always win.

Photo by Jamie Davies on Unsplash