Anglican leaders respond to attack on Jewish Australians at Bondi Beach
[ Episcopal News Service] In the wake of the Dec. 14 attack during a Hannukah celebration by Jewish Australians at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, that left at least 15 people dead and 27 wounded, Anglican leaders have issued the following statements.
From the Anglican Communion Office:
We pray for the people and communities of Bondi, Australia, after the tragedy of Sunday’s shootings that targeted a Jewish community during a Chanukkah event on the beach.
We pray for those injured and harmed, for the bereaved families of those that lost their lives and for those living in fear because of the atrocity.
We pray for the local authorities and communities as they seek to respond and stand against anti-Semitism, hate, violence and terrorism in all its forms.
May the peace of God be known in that place. Amen.
Please join me in praying urgently for the injured and families of victims of the shooting at Bondi Beach. Pray for the safety of the Jewish community and residents of Bondi. Pray for the police and medical teams in their work. Lord have mercy.
From Southern Queensland Archbishop Jeremy Greaves:
I write following last night’s horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach, which was directed at Jewish community members gathered to celebrate the first evening of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.
I join with other faith leaders in grieving for those killed and injured in what New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has declared “a terrorist incident” because of the event’s timing, the type of weapons used and the improvised explosive devices found.
I unequivocally condemn this antisemitic attack, and all antisemitism, which is a sin against our neighbor and an assault on human dignity. Such violence must be condemned wherever and whenever it occurs.
To the Jewish community in Sydney, Queensland and around Australia, I want to say clearly that you are not alone — I weep with you. Your safety matters — every person has the right to gather, practice their faith and celebrate their culture in peace and freedom.
I pray for all community members who mourn, for the wounded and those caring for them, and for those traumatized.
I pray for the police and paramedics, particularly for the seriously injured police officers, and the hospital workers who have served under incredible strain.
My prayers are also with those community members who courageously intervened before the police arrived, especially passerby Ahmed El Ahmed who was reportedly shot by a gunman from a nearby bridge in the process of disarming another gunman. In a media conference last night, NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
What we are witnessing and hearing in the news reports is shocking, distressing and heartbreaking, so please hold your family, friends and faith community close.
During this traumatic time, I join with other faith leaders and call for all Australians to respond with compassion; for the media to show sensitivity; and, for all elected representatives to promote unity.
The NSW Police Force has activated the Register Find Reunite capability to assist in the registration of those who have been impacted. It is a service, administered by the Australian Red Cross, that enables people to register to let people know they are safe; find people who may be affected by an emergency and know they are safe; and, reunite through a matching process.
From Melbourne Archbishop Ric Thorpe:
I am deeply saddened by the appalling act of violence and terrorism that occurred at Bondi Beach this evening. That such a tragedy should strike during Hanukkah, a celebration of light, peace and hope, is a profound evil that has no place in our society.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community, especially those targeted in this senseless act. To our Jewish brothers and sisters, we stand in unwavering solidarity with you during this time. This was an attack on your community, but it is also an assault on the shared values of harmony and religious freedom that we all hold dear.
We condemn this hatred in the strongest terms and pray for the peace of God to comfort all who are grieving. May we reject division and instead work together to protect the safety and dignity of every person in our nation.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
From the Heads of Churches in Tasmania, including Archbishop Richard Condie:
The Heads of Tasmanian Churches are grieved by the atrocities of the terror attack in Bondi on Sunday. On behalf of our churches we extend our deepest sympathy to and stand with the Jewish Community in Tasmania.
We stand against any form of antisemitism and condemn violence and the horror of terrorism, in any form. We believe that the way of love is the way to treat others. Jesus said: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28).
We invite anyone in the community to join us to mourn, lament, pray and express our solidarity at St. David’s Cathedral at 5 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
From the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Archbishop John McDowell:
There are times when the ends of the earth can seem very near to us. Such was my feeling today when I heard about the brutal murder of innocent Jewish people – men, women and children – as they gathered to light the first candles of Hanukkah, the Festival when Jews all over the world remember the Dedication of the Second Temple. This will be a deeply unhappy Hanukkah for many Jews, especially those who have friends and relatives in the large Jewish diaspora in Australia. My thoughts and prayers, and the prayers of many people in Ireland, will be with the victims and families of those affected by today’s atrocity and by the creeping anti–Semitism which plagues so many parts of the world.”
In addition, the Bondi Beach Church, a location of the Bondi Anglican Church is providing resources on its Facebook page for those affected by the shooting, as well as a place for prayer or silence.
