BG-RRT Press Kit
SYDNEY, Dec. 15, 2025 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed crisis-trained chaplains to Bondi Beach in Sydney where at least 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured when two gunmen opened fire at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration of the first night of Hannukah. Victims of the attack have been identified as being from multiple countries including Israel, France, and the United Kingdom and range from 10 to 87 years old.
“This horrific act of terrorism and antisemitism that took place in Sydney is unspeakable tragedy. Families that were gathered for celebration have been torn apart because of this senseless act of violence,” said Josh Holland, vice president of the BG-RRT Global. “While this community is experiencing grief and loss that is unfathomable, our chaplains are there in Bondi Beach to let them know they are not alone—that the hope and peace of God can bring them through these dark days.”
The BG-RRT is now ministering in four locations both domestically and internationally. In addition to Sydney, the ministry is offering hope and providing emotional comfort and spiritual care in:
- Jamaica (Hurricane Melissa)
- Whatcom County, Washington (flooding)
- Ukraine (ongoing conflict)
For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit the BG-RRT press kit or BillyGraham.org/RRT. Updates can also be found at Facebook.com/RRTChaplains.
Media Opportunities
- Interviews with:
• Josh Holland, vice president of the BG-RRT Global, and Stewart Beveridge, international manager of the BG-RRT in Australia - Chaplain coordinator in Sydney
- B-Roll and photos (please use with credit to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
- Interview request form
About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into an international network of chaplains in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 900 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org
Claisse Opulencia
copulencia@bgea.org