Australian Ambassador & Former Prime Minister Joins Bondi Survivors at the Ohel

By COLlive staff

In a moving and symbolic moment, Rabbis Yanky Super and Mendy Berger—Director and Co-Director of Nitzutz, one of Australia’s fastest-growing young Jewish communities—visited the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens, New York.

They were joined by Kevin Rudd, Australia’s Ambassador to the United States and former Prime Minister of Australia.

The visit followed a violent terrorist attack in Sydney, during which Rabbi Yanky Super sustained multiple serious injuries and Rabbi Mendy Berger shielded children amid the chaos.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, while bleeding and uncertain if they would survive, the two rabbis made a pact: if they lived, they would travel to the Rebbe’s Ohel to offer thanks and prayer.

After months of recovery, multiple surgeries, and what they describe as clear miracles, that promise was fulfilled.

At the Ohel, Rabbi Super prayed, Ambassador Rudd prayed, and the group offered words of gratitude to G-d—expressing thanks for life, for survival, and for the ability to continue serving their community.

Prayers were also offered for the well-being of their families, their growing Sydney community, and for fellow shliach Rabbi Eli Schlanger HYD, who was murdered while carrying out his life’s mission of service and kindness.

The visit underscored the enduring message of the Rebbe’s vision: to respond to darkness with light, and to build a better world through acts of goodness, courage, and compassion.

“This was not only a personal moment,” Rabbi Berger said. “It was a statement of resilience, faith, and continuity—especially in the face of terror.”