In a moving display of solidarity, surfers and swimmers came together at Bondi Beach, forming a circle in a paddle out ceremony. This act of unity served as a powerful tribute to those who have been affected by recent tragedies, offering a moment to reflect and give thanks.

Participants were invited to “come together to honour the lives lost, pray for those on the journey to recovery, and express gratitude to our brave first responders.” The event sought to foster a sense of community and healing through the shared experience of the ocean.

Rabbi Yosef Eichenblatt of the Central Synagogue shared with ABC News that the tributes have been “so therapeutic” for the Jewish community, highlighting the profound impact of the collective outpouring of support and remembrance.

“Over the past two years, there’s been a lot of people who have been questioning whether we’re still welcome here in Australia because we saw people calling for our death on the streets on a weekly basis,” he said.

“So it’s been so heart-warming to see the outpouring of love and support.”

More than 700 people were estimated to have entered the water on boards. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Local community members have organised multiple water tributes this week to honour those impacted by the attack, which claimed 15 lives and targeted an event celebrating the first day of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.

On Wednesday morning, members of swimming clubs came together for a similar paddle-out.

Police said they found homemade flags representing the self-proclaimed Islamic State group in the vehicle used by the gunmen.

“The proposals, the measures that we have put forward are what this community is crying out for,” she continued.