Community members, faith leaders, and local officials gathered at Congregation Beth Shalom in Modesto on Wednesday night for a memorial service honoring the victims of a deadly attack that took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The event was held during Hanukkah and brought together the Jewish community with interfaith and civic leaders.
According to news agencies, the shooting on December 14 targeted Jewish people at an outdoor Hanukkah celebration. The attack resulted in 15 deaths and 40 injuries. Authorities reported that Sajid Akram, 50, carried out the shooting before being killed in an exchange of gunfire with police. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, was wounded and is expected to face charges including murder, attempted murder, and committing an act of terrorism.
The memorial in Modesto included participation from Vice Mayor Nick Bavaro, Police Chief Brandon Gillespie, District Attorney Jeff Laugero, City Council members Chris Ricci and Jeremiah Williams, as well as clergy from various faith traditions such as St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Rabbi Caitlin Bromberg addressed those present: “We have gathered here to mourn and to reflect on the incomprehensible,” she said. “We honor the lives lost. We lift up their souls with our prayers and the words of our hearts.”
Bruce Ruskin, president of Congregation Beth Shalom, welcomed elected officials and clergy at the start of the event.
After the gathering, Rabbi Bromberg spoke about its significance for Modesto’s Jewish community: “All Jews in the world are our family,” she said. “We feel it as though we were there. We are all grieving, and we need an opportunity to come together, to share and to find comfort by being together.”
The attack at Bondi Beach has drawn international concern during Hanukkah—a time significant for Jewish communities worldwide—because it targeted civilians celebrating a religious holiday.
Bromberg explained that prayer is central during times of violence and loss: “Religion is not only about the meaning of life — it’s also about the meaning of death,” she said. “Death helps you value life. It reminds you that today matters, that kindness matters, that compassion matters, because none of us has a guarantee.” She added: “We don’t let it break us. We don’t let it make us stay home. We show up for each other.”
Vice Mayor Bavaro emphasized unity: “Now more than ever, kindness matters,” he said. “Even in sorrow, we must choose unity over division. Let us stand united against intolerance and hate.”
Police Chief Gillespie highlighted law enforcement’s role: “Our job is to let people know we’re here, that we’re present, and that we’re unified in protecting everybody, no matter what faith they practice or what walk of life they come from,” he said after the event. “We can’t let fear win or change our way of life.”
The service featured interfaith remarks and music led by Rev. Brian Dawson from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church who noted speaking with colleagues in Bondi earlier that day about their overwhelming grief: “When we have no words, we have music,” Dawson said before introducing a hymn.
Sebastian Sclofsky from Stanislaus State read victims’ names aloud while discussing rising anti-Semitism and confronting hate.
Candles were lit during prayers as attendees stood quietly together inside the synagogue.
Gillespie concluded: “Our response to hate is unity, compassion and vigilance,” he said. “Hate has no home here in Modesto.”
As attendees left after the hourlong service ended—with candles still burning—they carried messages of solidarity beyond the synagogue walls.
