In the aftermath of the horrific terror attack at a Chanukah gathering in Bondi Beach, Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Team mobilized immediately, providing critical support to those directly impacted in Australia and to thousands of individuals in communities around the world shaken by the tragedy.
From the earliest moments following the attack, Chai Lifeline was actively involved on the ground and remotely, working closely with local community leaders, schools, mental health professionals, and Chabad shluchim to address the emotional and psychological toll of the violence.
Throughout the night and into the following days, Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Team responded to hundreds of calls from individuals who were present at the scene, family members of victims, panicked parents across Australia, children of local Holocaust survivors experiencing acute PTSD triggered by the attack, and people worldwide struggling with fear, grief, and trauma.
Chai Lifeline is working extensively with Jewish day schools across Sydney, speaking directly with staff and hundreds of students of all ages. Age-appropriate guidance, trauma-informed support, and emotional reassurance were provided to help students process the events safely and thoughtfully. In addition, Chai Lifeline distributed comprehensive crisis response guidelines and resources for parents, educators, community leaders, schools, and Chabad shluchim around the world.
Chai Lifeline also collaborated closely with local mental health and social service organizations in Sydney to ensure coordinated care and continuity of support. As part of these efforts, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, director of Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Services, led a live webinar for parents and faculty of Sydney’s Jewish day schools, offering professional guidance on how to speak with children, manage anxiety, and identify signs of trauma following acts of terror.
Recognizing the ongoing needs of the Australian Jewish community, Chai Lifeline is in the process of establishing a dedicated local helpline to provide continued, culturally sensitive crisis support in the days and weeks ahead.
“Chanukah is meant to be a time of light and communal joy,” said Chai Lifeline CEO Rabbi Simcha Scholar. “When that light is shattered by violence, the emotional impact can be overwhelming. Chai Lifeline has the largest crisis response team in the Jewish community, and we were able to mobilize immediately to support those on the ground in Australia and in communities around the world who were deeply affected. Our role is to be there in those first critical moments and to continue providing guidance, strength, and support in the days ahead.”
Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Team remains available 24 hours a day to anyone impacted by this tragedy or struggling in its aftermath. For support, contact Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Line at 855-3-CRISIS or email crisis@chailifeline.org.
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