A Mother's Harrowing Experience at Bondi's Hanukah Festival
On a day meant for celebration, the Bondi Pavilion became the scene of unimaginable horror. Stones of remembrance now sit in front of the iconic building, placed during a national day of mourning for the victims of the Bondi terror attack. What began as a joyful family outing for Jessica Rozen and her loved ones quickly descended into a nightmare that would test every instinct of protection and survival.
The Festival That Turned to Terror
Hanukah, known as "the festival of light," represents a minor but cherished holiday in the Jewish calendar. Characterised by candles, songs, and doughnuts rather than elaborate ceremonies, it holds special significance for many families. In Sydney, multiple events were organised for the first night of Hanukah in 2024, with Jessica's family choosing the Bondi celebration despite the notorious parking challenges.
Jewish events in Sydney typically maintain discreet security measures, with locations only revealed to registered attendees on the day itself. This precaution aims to prevent planned attacks on unspecified venues. Jessica was therefore surprised to find clear directions to the children's playground area, where festivities were already underway with photographers, petting zoos, and traditional treats.
The Moment Everything Changed
While chatting with friends and momentarily separated from her three-year-old son, Jessica heard what she initially dismissed as loud bangs. Having never heard gunfire before, the reality only dawned with subsequent shots and the sight of people falling, blood visible, screams piercing the air. The techno covers of Hanukah classics continued playing, creating a surreal, distorted soundtrack to the unfolding tragedy.
Spotting her husband holding their daughter and moving to safety, Jessica's immediate concern became her missing son. As she searched frantically, she encountered a terrified little girl screaming for her parents in an open space. Without hesitation, Jessica grabbed the child and sought cover behind chairs, lying on the grass to shield her from the ongoing gunfire.
Minutes That Felt Like Eternity
For less than six minutes that felt interminable, Jessica remained calm, reassuring the girl while assessing their dangerous situation. Using her phone's zoom to see better, she identified two attackers—one on a footbridge firing toward her position, another pacing calmly outside the fence. The proximity of violence became horrifyingly personal when a woman lying nearby was fatally shot, her injuries visible in devastating detail.
Jessica discovered she was bleeding, unsure how much blood was hers versus the victim's. Finding brain matter in her hair and blood on her glasses, she took a selfie to assess her injuries while maintaining protection of the child. Text exchanges with her husband during this period were uncharacteristically brief and contained errors, reflecting the extreme stress of the moment.
Acts of Humanity Amid Horror
The situation improved when the girl's father, Wayne, approached to reclaim his daughter. His gratitude—telling Jessica she saved his child's life—contrasted sharply with the surrounding terror. Later, shirtless young men from the beach offered assistance, though initial distrust gave way to appreciation for their kindness.
Reuniting with her mother, husband, and children brought overwhelming relief, though Jessica required medical attention for various injuries including a gash on her nose and shoulder slash. At the hospital, nurse Connor provided gentle care, even arranging a shower to remove debris from her hair. Throughout, concern for her unborn baby remained paramount, with ultrasound confirmation of wellbeing bringing profound gratitude.
The Aftermath and Reflections
In subsequent days, Jessica met three-year-old Gigi's parents, learning the girl she protected was physically unharmed. While many have called her a hero, Jessica rejects this label, insisting she simply acted as any parent would. Her true heroes include her husband who saved their daughter, her mother-in-law who protected their son, and the many individuals who assisted others during the attack.
The experience has fundamentally challenged Jessica's understanding of safety and protection. As someone raised to be strong, she now grapples with living in a world where parents cannot guarantee their children's security. Yet her core values remain unchanged, emphasising gentleness, kindness, and listening as essential principles for her family and society.
The Bondi terror attack has left indelible marks on survivors and the broader community. While physical wounds may heal, the psychological impact and questions about security at public gatherings persist. Jessica's account stands as a testament to human resilience and the instinct to protect others, even amidst unimaginable danger.
