Published 11/14/2025
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a statement following a deadly terror attack on the Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah menorah lighting at Bondi Beach in Australia. Writing on the Third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Curry condemns antisemitism, reaffirms the ELCA’s commitment to opposing anti-Jewish hatred, and calls the church to concrete acts of solidarity, love, and peace with our Jewish neighbors.
Grounded in God’s irrevocable covenant and the hope of Advent, the statement invites prayer and faithful action as an antidote to fear and violence.
A message from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry:
Many of us awoke today to the horrific news of yet another deadly attack on the Jewish community, gathered for a Menorah lighting ceremony marking the beginning of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Australia.
This incident has already reverberated around the world, striking fear in the hearts of our Jewish neighbors. As the ELCA, we have rejected antisemitism and incitement to violence and pledged ourselves to oppose the anti-Jewish bigotry and hatred. (A Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community, 1994.)
On this third Sunday in Advent, Gaudete Sunday, we reflect upon rejoicing. Yet today our joy is confronted with the anguish and fear experienced by our siblings in faith. Let us remember that our rejoicing is in God’s life-giving promises, promises first extended to the Jewish people in God’s irrevocable covenant.
So, on this day and in the days to come, I encourage you to find concrete ways to share God’s life-giving love with our Jewish neighbors as an antidote to hate, and as a comfort amid fear and grief.
Please join me in prayer:
We whose lives are held captive by your Word ask your blessing upon our urgent desire to live out our faith in Jesus Christ with love and respect for our Jewish neighbors, amid unspeakable violence. Empower us to stand in solidarity with each other to oppose the deadly working of every kind of bigotry, both within our own circles and in the society around us. O Maker and Keeper of us all, reform our faith and our living to reflect more boldly your endless peace. Amen.
The Rev. Yehiel Curry
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Community Partners,
Like so many of you, we at the FBI are horrified by the heinous terrorist attack at the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which killed fifteen people and left dozens more injured. This indiscriminate attack took the lives of both young and old, including a Holocaust survivor. We extend our condolences to the victims, their families, the Jewish community, and all those affected in Australia.
On behalf of the FBI, I want to assure you that we take all threats seriously. We have resources ready to help ensure the safety of events and celebrations across Arizona. Hate is unacceptable. Violence against any community is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
We ask all Arizona residents to celebrate this holiday season safely and to report any suspicious behavior.
Please know that we, along with our law enforcement partners, remain on alert, on call, and fully prepared to respond as needed.
The FBI is built on partnerships. Here in Arizona, the FBI actively works with community leaders to foster trust, share information, and collectively ensure the safety and security of all Americans.
If you experience any type of threat or disturbance at your event, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency tips or suspicious activity, you may contact the FBI:
Submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov
Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
Contact the FBI Phoenix Field Office at (623) 466-1999
I want to thank Arizona’s leaders and the communities they serve for standing with us as we build stronger, safer communities together.
On behalf of FBI Phoenix, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
Respectfully,
Lynsey R. Wright
Community Outreach Specialist
U.S. Department of Justice | FBI Phoenix Field Office
Phone: (623) 466-1845
Email Address: lrwright@fbi.gov