Canada’s Legal Community in Mourning and Solidarity

In the wake of the Hanukkah attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where fifteen people were killed and more than sixty were injured, including human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky, lawyers, law students, and firms across Canada have come together to express their grief, compassion, and solidarity.

Jewish Lawyers of Canada is proud to share these messages, submitted by members of our legal community, as a testament to the unity and moral courage that define our profession. Each message reflects a shared commitment to stand against antisemitism, to support our Jewish colleagues, and to uphold the values of justice, dignity, and human decency.

May these words bring comfort to those who are mourning, strength to those who feel isolated, and light to all who continue to choose compassion over hate.

Messages of Support:

Anonymous – I am mourning with our Jewish brothers and sisters. No one should fear celebrating their faith. May the memory of the victims be for a blessing, and may their families find comfort and strength surrounded by love.

Ellen Levine – My heart is broken. We are standing in solidarity with the Jewish people of Australia. We are wishing a speedy recovery to all that were injured in this heinous attack at Bondi Beach. And may the memories of those murdered be for a blessing. Our love and prayers go to all of the families. The Toronto Jews are experiencing enormous Jew Hatred as well. We must all stand strong together. Our heartfelt condolences to all. Am Israel Chai!

Emmanuel Dominguez – My deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and the Jewish community in Canada and abroad following the horrific attack at the Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. This act of violence is an assault not only on innocent lives, but on the values of dignity, faith, and justice that bind our communities together. I stand in solidarity with Jewish lawyers, law students, and all those who continue to carry the weight of grief while remaining committed to truth, courage, and the rule of law. May the memory of those lost be a blessing, and may those who were injured find strength and healing. You are not alone.

Gillian – To the Jewish community in Bondi Beach and beyond, our hearts are with you today. We are deeply saddened and shaken by the horrific act of violence this morning. No community should ever have to live in fear, and hatred has no place among us. We stand in solidarity with you, sending strength, comfort, and love to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted. May the community feel surrounded by support, and may there be healing, unity, and peace in the days ahead. Am Yisrael Chai.

Miriam Wallbridge – May Jews everywhere stand together in solidarity against the forces of hate. May our community continue to shine brightly, undeterred by the senseless acts of violence visited upon us. May we continue to serve as a light unto the nations. May we not lose hope. May we continue our efforts to repair the world. May our children have a future free of antisemitism and the banal acts of hatred we are bearing witness to on an almost daily basis right now. May those who have been injured in Sydney recover fully from their wounds and may those who have lost their friends and loved ones in this tragedy and indeed our entire community the world over be spared further sorrow.

Laurelle A. Harris, K.C -We mourn with you, will not forget you, and work for the day when Am Israel know peace. May the memories of each person stolen be a blessing.

Marc Moller – The first lesson of Jewish history is that acts of terrible violence, like those at Bondi Beach, remind us that antisemitism and the depths of depravity that give it expression know no boundaries in time or place. Nevertheless while we mourn our losses, the second lesson of Jewish history is that we have and will continue to thrive. That gives meaning to the words “May those who have suffered loss be comforted among the mourners of Zion.” To the Bondi Beach mourners: you are not alone. We are with you.

Kelly Davis – I am sending my condolences, love and hope of light and endurance to the community. I stand firmly with my Jewish family, friends and colleagues at this time.

Jillian Siskind – We stand with you in your grief and horror and re-commit to continuing the fight for our community. Am Yisrael Chai.

Stephen Fine – In the wake of this horrific tragedy, I want to offer my condolences and support to all of the victims and their families - my heart breaks for all of you.

Ruth Kerbel – I will continue to wear my Jewish star and continue to attend and support Jewish causes and speak out when needed. We all need to and not stay silent letting things happen to us.

Isa Goldberg – In the wake of these senseless acts of violence, may we continue to gather in our local communities to preserve the light of Hanukkah and of the Jewish people. Together we will triumph.

Delwen Stander – My deepest condolences to those in the Jewish community of Sydney who lost a loved one, or had one injured in this horrific attack. You are constantly in our prayers. What is happening to my Jewish brothers and sisters across this failing world is evil, and the Western democracies in particular are guilty of abandoning our solemn promise of "Never Again".

Martin Halpern – How saddened I was to awake on Erev Chanukah to read about the massacre of those celebrating the holiday. We may share different time zones with Australia but not different Jewish souls regardless of where we are citizens. Kind words and condemnation is no longer sufficient. Real preventative legal measures must be taken.

Adam Romain – Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of that the cowardly terrorist attack. We will not let the darkness of hate cast a shadow on this festival of lights.

Roshni Rajpal – Be strong!

Mimi Gauvin – "Sometimes, a flame can be utterly extinguished. Sometimes, a flame can shrink and waver, but sometimes a flame refuses to go out. It flares up from the faintest ember to illuminate the darkness, to burn in spite of overwhelming odds." We shall endure.

Jordan Korn – In the face of this senseless violence, Jewish communities and their allies must stand united against hate. May light and courage guide us through this darkness, and may the victims of this tragedy be strengthened by the embrace of those, Jews and non-Jews alike, who choose life, justice, and peace.

Susan Sack – Sending prayers for healing and strength! Know that your Jewish community across the globe is standing with you.

Ava Diamond Dreyer – My heart is filled with sadness and my soul filled with pride. We must all do our small part to repair this world we are living in. If I can provide anything that could help, allow me to do so.

Shelley Birenbaum – We are thinking of you in Sydney at this difficult time. May the lights of Chanukah herald a brighter time.

Bella Martin – Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been directly impacted by this horrific event. You are not alone!

Ilan Halfon – I wish I had words of condolences, I wish I could find a sentence that can ease the pain and fear that one might have. But I don't, I have words of love, support, and empathy that can only say, we are here if you need some help.

Marcie Zajdeman – We stand together, in strength and solidarity, with the victims and survivors of the Bondi Beach massacre, and with the larger Jewish community. We are all Australian Jews today. May the candles of Chanukah and the spirit and resilience of our people and our traditions continue to light up the world and lead the way out of hate and darkness.

Sana Barak – STAY STRONG!

Kenneth Glasner – Am Israel Chai.

Brian Belmont – רפואה שלמה לכל הפצועים ותנחומים לכל המשפחות העבלות

Julia Gauze – The attack on the first night of Hannukah was devastating. I can only imagine the pain and heartbreak being felt in the Australian Jewish community right now. The Jewish community here in Toronto stands with you, and cries with you. To harm one of us is to harm all of us. May their neshamas have aliyahs.

Danièle Gauvin – It is important to echo the Australian PM: an attack on Jewish families celebrating on the beach is an attack on all persons everywhere who value a peaceful, democratic way of life.

Ariella Lax – The tragedy at Bondi Beach is heartbreaking beyond words. As we light the candles of Hanukkah, may the light of our unity and resilience shine even brighter in the face of hatred. My deepest condolences to all those mourning and healing.

Josh Strub – Waking to the news of this horrific attack was incredibly sad. My heart and prayers are with the victims and their families.

Jeremy Herman – Let’s continue to illuminate the world by doing good despite the evil among us.

Anonymous – To the brave individual who stepped forward in the face of unimaginable danger to stop the attack, your courage embodies the highest values of humanity. In a moment of terror, you chose to protect others. Your selflessness and strength remind us that even in darkness, there are those who shine as light. We may never know your name, but we will never forget your courage. May you find healing and peace, and may your act of bravery inspire others to stand against hate in all its forms.

Anonymous – To Arsen Ostrovsky, your survival is nothing short of a miracle, and your life’s work in defense of truth and human rights continues to inspire us all. Even as you recover from this horrific act of hatred, please know that your courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice are a source of strength for Jewish lawyers and advocates around the world. May you heal fully in body and spirit, surrounded by love and gratitude from those whose lives you’ve touched through your leadership and conviction.

Anonymous – As a Jewish person currently living in Australia, I offer my deepest condolences to everyone affected by this devastating tragedy. To all of the families, friends, and loved ones impacted — may you find comfort and peace. Even from afar, your community is standing with you in spirit, with love and solidarity.

Anonymous – Words cannot describe the overwhelming emotions you are probably feeling right now. Whatever emotions you are experiencing, they are beyond valid — sadness, anger, fear, emptiness. There is no right way to feel about this horrible tragedy. The light of Chanukah will live on. For now, whoever is reading this, I hope you have the support you need.

Anonymous – My thoughts and prayers are with the Australian Jewish Community. Stay strong and know that you have worldwide support.

Anonymous – Sending strength, love, and prayers to the Jewish community in Australia and around the world. May light overcome darkness and may the souls of the victims rest in peace.