'We're unbreakable': Ex-Israeli hostage's message to Bondi attack survivors

Former Israeli hostage Daniella Gilboa wants those affected by the Bondi Beach terror attack to know "we're unbreakable", as the shooting's first anniversary approaches.

Ms Gilboa, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier, was stationed at the Nahal Oz observation post on the edge of the Gaza Strip when she was abducted by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023.

Fifteen female spotters were killed at the base during the attacks and seven were taken into Gaza. One of the seven women was killed in captivity, with her body retrieved, and one was rescued during an IDF raid.

Music has been a source of peace for Ms Gilboa throughout her life, including her time in captivity.

"There [in Gaza], it was mine and my friend's comfort. We used to sing quietly some songs, Jewish songs too, to remind ourselves of our community.

"Sometimes a song or a prayer can help when it's hard to find words."

Ms Gilboa was held hostage for 477 days.

As part of the second hostage and prisoner exchange, in January 2025, Hamas militants handed Ms Gilboa, along with Liri Albag, 19, and 20-year-olds Karina Ariev and Naama Levy, to the Red Cross, which transported them to the Israel-Gaza border and handed them over to the IDF.

In exchange, Israel freed about 200 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.

"I waited so long for this freedom, for this feeling — to control my own thoughts, my own actions," Ms Gilboa, now 22, said.

'We're unbreakable'

Sydney's Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14 last year, where 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured while celebrating Hanukkah, was a triggering event for Ms Gilboa and countless other Jewish people across the globe.

Ms Gilboa, who is currently in Australia to perform as part of the SHIR Australian Jewish Music Festival in Sydney and Melbourne, said she was grateful to have visited Bondi and seen the temporary menorah memorial at the scene of the attack at Archer Park.

"I was so sad. I wanted to send the families that were affected a big, big hug … we're unbreakable," she said, noting she felt a connection with the survivors and victims' loved ones.

Pinned to her shirt was a bee brooch in honour of 10-year-old victim Matilda.

Upon being released as a hostage, Ms Gilboa said it dawned on her how many people from across the world, including Australia, had been praying and hoping for their safe return.

"It really touches me to know that people who didn't know me were thinking about me and praying for me. Now that I'm here in Australia, I can meet them and say thank you in person.

"Through the stories, the messages and meeting people I felt so much love and support. I want to tell the [Sydney Jewish] community that I'm thinking of them."

New classified hearing for antisemitism inquiry

After 62 days of public hearings, the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion closed in August.

On October 12, the royal commission confirmed it would hold a classified hearing this month to take additional evidence related to hearing block two, which focused on the circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach attack.

The inquiry said the sensitivity of the evidence meant the hearing would be closed to the public to avoid prejudice to national security and the ongoing criminal proceedings relating to the attack.

The evidence from closed hearings will be covered in a confidential volume of Commissioner Virginia Bell's final report.

But the commissioner said "substantial parts" of confidential sections of her interim and final reports should be made public after the conclusion of criminal proceedings related to the shooting.

It is expected the report will be delivered on December 18, four days after the first anniversary of the terror attack.

Ms Gilboa she had noticed a rise in antisemitism, especially in online spaces.

"On social media, the hatred, it makes me cry sometimes," she said.

"I really think we're all one; it's not just a slogan for me. We're all human beings and we all have the right to live."

She hoped that being a former hostage would not define her in the future, and that her passions, her love of singing and her desire to connect with people would instead triumph over the darkness.

"To have the Sydney Opera House as my international debut and share a stage with artists who are Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Jewish is special," Ms Gilboa said.

"I'm so happy to come back to my family, friends … it's a privilege."