Dear Friends and Partners,

Shalom, and thank you to the many of you who are standing with us so faithfully. What should have been a joyful celebration of the first day of Hanukkah became a moment of deep tragedy for the Jewish community here in Sydney. As families gathered at Bondi Beach, an iconic location and the site of our annual Hanukkah celebration, two terrorists arrived with weapons and opened fire on the crowd.

Among those present were people we know personally—Jewish friends and contacts we have served and walked alongside for many years. Some of them, including children and grandchildren, were shot and are now hospitalized. After the long, nightmarish night, we learned that one of them had passed away from the injuries sustained in the attack.

At least 15 people were killed, and among them was at least one Holocaust survivor. Our celebration has been marred by grief. This unprecedented and heartbreaking attack has shaken not only our community here in Sydney, but Jewish people around the world.

I ask that you urgently pray on behalf of the Jewish people in Sydney and throughout Australia as we look to our Messiah, Jesus, who understands suffering and brings true consolation.

Please pray

• for comfort and healing for the families who lost loved ones;
• for complete recovery for those who were injured;
• for peace and protection for the Jewish community across Australia, especially for our large population of Holocaust survivors (the largest per capita outside of Israel);
• and for wisdom, courage, and compassion as we minister in the midst of fear.

We’re continuing to go out and share the good news of Yeshua with our people. In moments like these, hearts are open, questions are real, and the need for the Messiah’s comfort is profound. We ask you to pray for our ministry, that God would open doors, give us the right words, and use us as instruments of his light in a very dark time.

Thank you for lifting us up in your prayers and for walking alongside us in this season. Your partnership and ongoing support mean more than words can express and enables us to serve our community and respond in times of urgent need.

In your own community, I encourage you to write cards or letters to your local Jewish centers and synagogues expressing your support and solidarity. Something simple and personal, signed by Christians, and expressing compassion and sensitivity can be very meaningful and go a very long way. You can help shine the brightest light they may see in an otherwise very dark time.

With gratitude and hope in the Lord,

Alexander Adelson
Jews for Jesus Australia