In a poignant demonstration of resilience and unity, over eighty Chabad emissaries from across Australia and New Zealand gathered this week at Bondi Beach and the Chabad of Bondi centre for a major regional Kinus Hashluchim conference.

The event, held on Rosh Chodesh Adar under the theme “From Pain to Purpose,” came just two months after a devastating terror attack during a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach that claimed fifteen lives, including two beloved Chabad leaders, and wounded many others.

The gathering honoured the legacy of Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, who were killed in the attack and whose work in strengthening Jewish life in Sydney and beyond was widely admired.

Participants engaged in intensive sessions, workshops and round-table discussions focused on emotional support, youth programming and organisational leadership, with the aim of reinforcing their collective commitment to community service and spiritual outreach.

A moving highlight of the conference was a tahalucha to Bondi Beach, where rabbis recited psalms at the site of the December attack in memory of those killed and in prayer for the resilience of all affected.

The Kinus also featured addresses by senior Chabad figures, who reiterated the mission of ‘Shlichus’ — the emissary’s work of building Jewish identity and connection — and encouraged delegates to transform grief into renewed community engagement.

The event concluded with a gala banquet that brought together leaders and supporters to reflect on the tasks ahead and to strengthen bonds within the regional Chabad network.

The gathering not only commemorated those lost but also underscored the determination of Chabad’s Australia family to advance its communal mission with solidarity and purpose in the wake of tragedy.