‘Horrified and shaken’: NT Jewish politician leads memorial to Bondi victims

NT leaders have expressed their heartbreak at the anti-Semitic attacks, as Territorians are invited to join a Jewish tradition and lay a stone at a memorial commemorating the innocent lives lost.

At the steps of Northern Territory Parliament House, Justine Davis lays a stone in a ring of lights to commemorate the 15 innocent lives lost in the Bondi terror attacks.

She is the NT’s only Jewish politician – but Monday was not about politics.

“I’ve lived here for thirty years, but I grew up in Bondi where I still have many, many family and friends,” Ms Davis said.

“Together with the Jewish people here in Darwin, and people across Australia, Jewish and non-Jewish, we’re in deep mourning.”

Ms Davis was celebrating the first day of Hannukah with family and friends when the news filtered through on Sunday evening.

Independent Johnston MLA Justine Davis at parliament.

A father and son pair had opened fire at Hannukah celebrations at Bondi Beach in Sydney, in what is now the worst mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

“I am horrified and shaken,” Ms Davis said.

“This is a night when we come together with loved ones to light the menorah. Instead many in our community have received the worst news of their lives.

“To be confronted with such a horrific act of anti-Semitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope is shattering.

“In moments like this, we hold each other close. We should all be able to gather with our communities, and practise our culture in safety, without fear.”

The Territory community was invited to add a stone to the parliament memorial across the eight days of Hannukah in honour of the Bondi victims.

“For Jewish people when someone dies we don’t give flowers, we lay a stone on their grave for mourning. So we’re inviting people to come here, to show support and to show compassion and lay a stone here in the middle of this circle,” Ms Davis said.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro speaks on the Bondi Beach terror attack.

NT leaders have called for unity as Australians rally behind the Jewish community.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Bondi shooting was “a deliberate attack” on the NT Jewish community and what it is to be Australian.

She said the latest intelligence from police confirmed there was no added threat to Territorians related to the incident.

“We have been wrapping our arms around our beautiful Jewish community at a time where everyone just cannot put into words to the unimaginable grief and destruction caused by these individuals who sought to completely disrupt the Australian way of life,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“I want to give comfort to Territorians that we are at no greater threat as a result of this terrorist attack.”

One of the shooters legally owned six guns, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said national cabinet has resolved to strengthen Australia’s gun control laws.

The NT government recently changed firearm regulations to reduce mandatory wait times to buy another gun.

Mrs Finocchiaro said she would “have to see the detail” of any proposed gun controls.

“My initial instinct is that there is much work to do, and (gun control) might be just one part of it, but here in the Territory we have a very different context, and so we’ll always be bringing in Territory-first perspective,” she said.

People gather around a tribute for shooting victims outside the Bondi Pavilion at Sydney's Bondi Beach, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, a day after a shooting. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Opposition Leader Selena Uibo said the news emerging from Bondi was “horrific and deeply distressing”.

“My heart goes out to the victims, their families and loved ones, and to all who witnessed this awful event,” she said.

“I am thinking of the first responders who have acted with extraordinary courage in the face of tragedy, and of the broader community as they come to terms with what has happened.

“Territorians stand with the people of New South Wales at this very difficult time.”

Federal MPs Marion Scrymgour and Luke Gosling also expressed their heartbreak at the events.

“Tonight all of us stand with our Jewish community,” Ms Scrymgour said.

“This evil shocks us all to our core – it is vile, it is senseless and has no place in our country.

“My heart is with the families, victims, and first responders.

“To all Australians, we must stand together, unified and strong. We cannot be divided.”

Mr Gosling encouraged Territorians to reach out to their Jewish friends.

“Leadership is required everywhere,” he sad.

“We recommit ourselves to stamping out hatred and bringing light and good will to our communities and throughout our nation tomorrow and every day.”

NT Police stood in solidarity with the New South Wales front line.

“We recognise the courage and professionalism shown by first responders who acted swiftly and decisively in extremely confronting circumstances,” NT Police Force said in a statement.

“Their commitment to protecting the community and caring for others reflects the very best of public service.

“To our NSW colleagues and emergency services partners, please know you have the full support and solidarity of the Northern Territory policing family at this difficult time.”

Originally published as ‘Horrified and shaken’: NT Jewish politician leads memorial to Bondi victims