15/12/2025
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 - 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 .
The Buddhist Council of Victoria condemns and expresses its sincere condolences to the families, loved ones, and communities affected by this brutal massacre targeted at the Jewish community celebrating the first day of Hanukkah, which took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, over recent hours.
Teachings and mindsets, religious or otherwise, that promote hatred and heinous violence, whether domestic or international, must be pursued and disrupted without hesitation to prevent such harm in the future. We urge the Federal, State, and Territory Governments of Australia to take immediate and decisive action to ensure all necessary resources are deployed to identify those responsible, prevent further cowardly attacks, dismantle their networks, and cut off their funding.
Australia must remain a nation where people can move about without fear, intimidation, or terror.
This tragedy reminds us of the fragility and impermanence of life, a truth at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings. As the Dhammapada reminds us:
“Arise! Be mindful! Train yourself with diligence. The wise say life is uncertain — do not delay in awakening.”
In honouring those we have lost, let us reflect deeply, live mindfully, and offer kindness and compassion to all beings.
May all beings be safe. May all beings be free from suffering.
