Port Phillip and Melbourne join statewide council response to Bondi massacre, condemning antisemitism

Local governments across Victoria have united in an extraordinary show of solidarity following the horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach, with the Cities of Port Phillip and Melbourne among the first to sign a joint statement condemning antisemitism and supporting Australia’s Jewish communities.

The coordinated response – led by the City of Port Phillip and Glen Eira City Council, and supported by the Municipal Association of Victoria – has now been signed by 63 councils, representing more than 80 per cent of local governments in the state. The statement follows Sunday night’s tragic attack, which occurred on the first evening of Chanukah, a festival symbolising light and hope.

The news reverberated quickly across Melbourne. Thousands had gathered at Federation Square for the Chanukah Pillars of Light festival when reports of the Bondi attack emerged.

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece, whose council was among the earliest signatories, said Melbourne stood firmly with Jewish residents.

“On behalf of the City of Melbourne, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Australian Jewish community following the tragic terrorist attack at the Chanukah celebration in Sydney,” Cr Reece said. “We stand in solidarity with you and unequivocally condemn all acts of antisemitism.”

Cr Reece said the city would continue to support nightly Menorah lightings at Federation Square in partnership with MAPCO and Victoria Police to ensure community safety.

Port Phillip – home to one of Victoria’s largest Jewish populations – also played a pivotal role in initiating the statewide response. Its leadership, alongside Glen Eira, helped bring councils together swiftly to issue a united message of compassion and resolve.

The joint statement, co-signed by mayors across metropolitan and regional Victoria, condemned antisemitism in all its forms and reaffirmed councils’ responsibility to foster safety, cohesion and belonging within their communities.

“To our Jewish community, we say: We see you. We stand with you. This is your home, and you should not feel afraid,” the statement reads.

“Now more than ever, our role as councils is clear: to bring people together, promote social cohesion, and build inclusive communities. We will continue to work every day to stamp out antisemitism and hate.”