Surfers and swimmers paddle and swim together at Bondi Beach as they participate in a tribute to the victims of the December 14 Bondi Beach shooting attack, in Sydney on December 19, 2025. DAVID GRAY / AFP
Hundreds of people swam and paddled surfboards off Australia's Bondi Beach on Friday, December 18, to honor the 15 people shot and killed at a Jewish festival last week.
Crowds gathered at the iconic Sydney surf spot to remember those slain Sunday in an alleged attack by father-and-son gunmen accused of firing into crowds celebrating Hanukkah on the beach. Out on the water, they gathered together in a large circle, splashed water and shouted.
"They slaughtered innocent victims, and today I'm swimming out there and being part of my community again to bring back the light," security consultant Jason Carr told AFP.
Carr said he hesitated before going back into the water because people were still grieving.
