The day following the horrific terror attack at the Bondi Beach Chanukah attack, which killed 15 community members, the NSW Faith Affairs Council held an emergency session, bringing together faith leaders as a show of their unambiguous support for their Jewish brothers and sisters.

Joining this expanded Faith Affairs Council was shliach Rabbi Nochum Schapiro of Chabad North Shore and Rabbi Benjamin Elton of the Great Synagogue.

At the meeting, the faith leaders asked Rabbi Schapiro what they could do to help the Jewish community. He responded with two requests:

One, to stand with the Jewish community and show unambiguous support.

And two, “Do one mitzvah. An act of kindness or charity. To bring some light into the world.”

Following Rabbi Schapiro’s remarks, the NSW Faith Affairs Council, with support from the Minns Government, announced the launch of the #OneMitzvahforBondi campaign.

The media release adds: “Please share your good deed, by using #OneMitzvahforBondi or visit: nsw.gov.au/onemitzvah”

Chair of the NSW Faith Affairs Council, Right Rev Dr Michael Stead, said: “At the core of our faith communities is a commitment to love and compassion. “The NSW Faith Affairs Council encourages everyone to take part in the One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign, to spread warmth and kindness to our fellow Australians. “I would like to sincerely thank our Jewish leaders for their grace and guidance during this unfathomable period of grief.”

President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, Rabbi Shua Solomon, said: “This unspeakable horror has touched every Jew and every Australian. Our only response to this profound darkness can be with light. “We ask every Australian to honour the memory of our lost not only with words but with action, unity and faith – by doing good.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said: “In the face of this terrible atrocity, our Jewish community have responded with remarkable kindness and compassion. “This call to action is the remedy our heartbroken city requires at this time. It can be something as small as calling in on a neighbour, or an act of service like helping out at a food kitchen or donating blood. “Every single one of us has an obligation to build the world we want to live in. Now is a time for us to unite, first and foremost, as fellow Australians.”

The website launches, opening with One Mitzvah for Bondi and the message: “We are calling on people of all faiths and all communities across NSW, to come together in the wake of the terrorist attack at Bondi on Sunday, 14 December 2025, and help unite our state.”

The website goes on to explain what a mitzvah is: “In Jewish tradition, a Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, and a moral responsibility. It is about taking practical action to help others, through simple, everyday acts of kindness that together create a powerful wave of goodwill. When these acts are carried out collectively, they strengthen the community and bring light in moments of darkness.”

The website then prompts visitors to “Describe your good deed in honor of the Bondi victims,” and says the message may be published in a book and supplied to the families of the affected.

To pledge a mitzvah, visit http://nsw.gov.au/onemitzvah.