Last night, a violent attack during the Chanukah by the Sea celebration at Bondi Beach claimed the lives of 16 people (at the time of publishing), while dozens more remain injured. The attack targeted Sydney’s Jewish community as they gathered to mark the first night of Chanukah.
The scenes from Bondi Beach were shocking and devastatingly sad, and our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones, the injured who now face recovery, and the many caught in the trauma of this senseless act of terror.
Our thoughts are especially with Sydney’s Jewish community, who gathered in joy and peace to light the first candle of Chanukah, a festival that celebrates light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil. What should have been a night of unity and hope was shattered by violence. I was about to speak at Chanukah in the Park in Newtown when the call came advising details of the shooting, and we were advised to leave immediately, to return home safely and check in on loved ones.
Everyone has the right to gather in safety. These acts of violence have no place in our society, and those responsible must face the full force of the law.
Yet amid the horror, we witnessed the best of humanity. Ordinary people courageously rushed to help each other, guiding strangers to safety, administering first aid, and comforting those in shock. Our police and emergency responders were once again heroic, responding swiftly, neutralising the threat, and risking their own lives to protect ours.
There are no words that can make this moment easier, nor explain the evil we have seen. But in the coming days, I urge all of us to show each other great care and compassion. We cannot allow this hateful act to divide us.
People from all cultures, nationalities and faiths should feel safe, included and respected in our city. Especially now, when world events are demonstrating how fragile human rights can be. We must hold tightly to everything that makes Sydney a diverse, peaceful, and harmonious city.
Hold your loved ones close. Stand together. Let us help each other through this with resilience and unity.
Lead image credit: AFP / Saeed Khan
