Rabbi Eli Feldman has delivered a powerful and emotional tribute to the victims of the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach, before visiting a close friend who remains in a critical condition following the violence.
A Community in Mourning After Sunday's Attack
Speaking at the site of the tragedy, Rabbi Feldman revealed his friend is fighting for his life in an induced coma in intensive care, suffering from gunshot wounds. He confirmed the man's father was tragically murdered during the same incident on Sunday.
"His father was murdered here on Sunday," Feldman said, visibly shaken. "This is a nightmare." The rabbi has been in contact with his friend's mother, who has maintained a vigil at her son's hospital bedside.
Attack Strikes During Hanukkah Celebration
The violent attack unfolded as people had gathered at the iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening to participate in a Hanukkah celebration, which included the lighting of a large menorah.
"People came here on Sunday to light the big menorah, to increase in light. And what we got was a display of darkness that this country has never seen before," Feldman stated, contrasting the festival's message of hope with the day's horrific events.
Overwhelming Support Amidst the Darkness
Despite the profound tragedy, Rabbi Feldman highlighted the overwhelming response from the community. He described an outpouring of support and solidarity at the beach in the attack's aftermath.
"I think the way we're going to overcome that darkness is with more light, with acts of goodness and kindness, with people coming together," he said. He emphasised that this collective spirit of support and resilience embodies the true essence of Hanukkah.
Rabbi Feldman, who was granted access to the hospital as both a rabbi and a close friend, said medical staff are being very careful about visitors while his friend remains sedated. The community now waits and hopes for his recovery while mourning the loss of his father.
