Published on 18 December 2025

Councils Stand United Against Antisemitism

Glen Eira City Council is working with the City of Port Phillip, supported by the Municipal Association of Victoria, to bring Victorian Mayors together in a shared response to the tragic events at Bondi Beach. 

The attack occurred during Chanukah, a significant time of reflection, faith and hope for Jewish communities. Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, their loved ones, and all who have been affected, including NSW Police, first responders, Waverley Council and Jewish communities across Australia. 

Local government has a responsibility to speak clearly and collectively in moments like this. Councils across Victoria are united in rejecting hate, antisemitism and violence, and in standing with the Jewish community. 

We know this event will be deeply felt within our own community. Glen Eira City Council condemns this act and affirms its support for all those impacted. 

The coordinated leadership shown by Glen Eira and Port Phillip reflects the strength of a united local government voice — one that promotes respect, inclusion and care at a time of grief. 

At the time of writing, 64 Victorian councils, representing more than 80 per cent of local governments across the state, have endorsed the joint statement. We thank them for their leadership and solidarity. 

Glen Eira City Council stands with our Jewish community and reaffirms its commitment to a community free from hatred and discrimination. 

Joint Statement

We, the undersigned Mayors, stand united in grief and solidarity following the horrific antisemitic terror attack in Bondi. At least 15 lives have been lost, and our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the Waverley community.

 

Victoria is home to some of Australia’s largest Jewish communities, and many are feeling deeply shaken. We condemn antisemitism and violence in all its forms. Hate has no place in our cities, and no place in Australia.

 

This tragedy comes as many prepare to celebrate Chanukah, a festival that symbolises light triumphing over darkness. It is heartbreaking that such darkness has overshadowed the start of this season of hope. Let us honour the spirit of Chanukah by standing together and rejecting hate in all its forms.

 

To our Jewish community, we say: We see you. We stand with you. This is your home, and you should not feel afraid.

 

Now more than ever, our role as Councils is clear: to bring people together, promote social cohesion, and build inclusive communities. We will continue to work every day to stamp out antisemitism and hate, and to ensure our cities remain places of safety, respect, and belonging for all. Together, we stand united against hate.

At the time of writing the following Councils via their Mayors had added their support for the joint statement:

  • City of Port Phillip
  • Glen Eira City Council
  • Ararat Rural City Council
  • Alpine Shire Council
  • Ballarat City Council
  • Bass Coast Shire Council
  • Bayside City Council
  • Boroondara City Council
  • Brimbank City Council
  • Buloke Shire Council
  • Casey City Council
  • Central Goldfields Shire Council
  • Colac Otway Shire Council
  • Corangamite Shire Council
  • Darebin City Council
  • Frankston City Council
  • Glenelg Shire Council
  • Golden Plains Shire Council
  • Greater Dandenong City Council
  • Greater Geelong City Council
  • Hepburn Shire Council
  • Hindmarsh Shire Council
  • Hobsons Bay City Council
  • Hume City Council
  • Indigo Shire Council
  • Kingston City Council
  • Knox City Council
  • Latrobe City Council
  • Loddon Shire Council
  • Macedon Ranges Shire Council
  • Manningham City Council
  • Mansfield Shire Council
  • Maribyrnong City Counci
  • Maroondah City Council
  • Melbourne City Council
  • Merri-bek City Council
  • Moira Shire Council
  • Monash City Council
  • Moonee Valley City Council
  • Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
  • Mount Alexander Shire Council
  • Moyne Shire Council
  • Murrindindi Shire Council
  • Nillumbik Shire Council
  • Northern Grampians Shire Council
  • Pyrenees Shire Council
  • Borough of Queenscliffe Council
  • South Gippsland Shire Council
  • Southern Grampians Shire Council
  • Stonnington City Council
  • Strathbogie Shire Council
  • Surf Coast Shire Council
  • Swan Hill Rural City Council
  • Towong Shire Council
  • Wangaratta Rural City Council
  • Warrnambool City Council
  • Wellington Shire Council
  • West Wimmera Shire Council
  • Whitehorse City Council
  • Wodonga City Council
  • Wyndham City Council
  • Yarra City Council
  • Yarra Ranges Shire Council
  • Yarriambiack Shire Council
  • Municipal Association of Victoria

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