Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—One week has passed since the terrorist attack that occurred on Sunday 14 December at 6.47 pm at Bondi Beach.

Bondi Beach is ordinarily a place of laughter, warmth and belonging. It is the most famous of our Australian beaches - where families gather, friends meet, and communities come together, particularly on a summer evening. On that night, people had gathered peacefully to celebrate the beginning of Chanukah, a time that symbolises light, hope and resilience. Instead, an act of terror brought devastation, grief and profound loss.

This attack targeted the Jewish community and has left a deep and lasting impact on our state. The grief felt in the days since has been overwhelming. The loss of innocent lives has shaken our sense of safety and wounded the heart of our community. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of all those who were killed. No words can ease the pain of such loss, but our thoughts are with them in their sorrow.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. We acknowledge the fear, anguish and heartbreak felt in the aftermath of this attack. Antisemitism, hatred and intolerance have no place in our modern, multicultural society. Words of hate can lead to acts of violence, with devastating consequences. We have a duty to confront hatred wherever it appears and to ensure our communities are places of safety, dignity and respect.

In the hour of terror and the week of sorrow that has followed, fifteen lives were taken. Each was unique. Each was deeply loved. Their deaths must not define them. They should be remembered by the lives they lived, the love they shared, and the contributions they made to their families, their communities and to this state.

Among those lost were Boris and Sofia Gurman, a devoted couple married for 34 years, remembered by their family as people of deep kindness, quiet strength and unwavering care for others. In their final moments, Boris, with Sofia courageously beside him, attempted to intervene to protect others. Their actions reflected their instinctive humanity and selflessness.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger was a devoted rabbi and chaplain who served the Bondi community for 18 years. He worked tirelessly to support Jewish life, offering care to people across all stages of life. He believed deeply in optimism, kindness and hope, and leaves behind his wife, young children, including a newborn, and a community profoundly changed by his loss.

Edith Brutman is remembered as a woman of integrity who chose humanity every day. She met prejudice with principle and division with service. Her family has asked that her life, not the senseless violence that took it, be what endures.

Boris Tetleroyd was a gentle man, a gifted musician and a valued member of his community. He was attending the Chanukah celebration with his son Yakov, who was also seriously injured.

Adam Smyth was a devoted husband and father of four, remembered for his generosity, kindness and love of family, sport and life. He was walking with his wife along the beachfront when the shooting began.

Marika Pogany, known lovingly as Omi, was a mother, grandmother and friend whose warmth and generosity touched countless lives. A proud Australian, she volunteered delivering kosher Meals on Wheels to seniors, bringing comfort and connection to those around her.

Matilda was only ten years old. She loved school, animals and her family. Her life was full of promise, and her loss is felt beyond words.

Dan Elkayam loved life fully and intensely. He brought joy wherever he went and was building a future in Australia, a country he loved.

Peter Meagher served for 34 years in the NSW Police Force, retiring as a detective sergeant. He was a volunteer, a sportsman, and a freelance photographer on the night of the attack.

Reuven Morrison was a generous and active member of the Jewish community who stood bravely against violence, even in the face of danger.

Tibor Weitzen was a beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, remembered for his warmth, joy and devotion to his family.

Alexander Kleytman was a Holocaust survivor whose life embodied resilience and strength. He died protecting his wife of 57 years. How a Jewish person who survived the Holocaust can lose their life in such circumstances as simply celebrating their faith in our multicultural State is unfathomable to me

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan was wholly devoted to his community, giving his time, energy and heart to those around him.

Tania Tretiak was a loved member of the Sydney community, whose loss is deeply mourned.

Amidst the grief, this tragedy also revealed the courage and humanity of our community. Police officers, paramedics, surf lifesavers and members of the public leapt into action, risking their own lives to help strangers they had never met. Doctors and nurses rushed to hospitals to assist in the aftermath. These individuals exemplify the very best of our state and are the backbone of our community.

The days since have seen an extraordinary outpouring of compassion, from blood bank donations to private acts of generosity and support. In the face of hatred, people have come together with kindness and resolve.

Nothing can lessen the pain of these losses. But the courage, humanity and solidarity shown at Bondi Beach will endure. Australians are kind, tolerant and compassionate people. We must strengthen that kindness, tolerance and compassion. Australia has long been a land of hope, and we must continue to do everything possible to ensure our communities are safe.

To the Jewish community, this is your home. You belong here. We stand with you and will continue to stand with you, to confront antisemitism, and to ensure that hatred has no place in our state.

May the lives lost be honoured not by the violence that took them, but by the love, courage and humanity they embodied.