Jews and Muslims have embraced each other in honour of the innocent people who were killed in Sunday’s horrific Bondi terror attacks.
In a powerful symbol of unity, leaders of both Australia’s Jewish and Islamic communities have come together to deliver messages of unity following the devastating Bondi terror attack, in which 15 people were killed, and 40 more were injured.
“So many in our Jewish community have received messages of love from leaders in different faith communities, from Palestinian friends and friends around this country, and in so doing, we are now learning we are all just flesh and blood, and we are all also the light,” Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins said in a vigil held in honour of the victims in Hyde Park on Monday evening, per The Guardian.
Following Kamins’ heartfelt speech, which championed unity and light in the wake of this horrific incident, Australian National Imams Council special advisor Bilal Rauf offered his “deep heartbreak and condolences” on behalf of his community, and highlighted how it reminded them of the devastating 2019 Christchurch massacre.
The pair then shared a hug, personifying unity between the two faiths.
Speaking to The Guardian, Kamins expressed that the essence of the vigil was to acknowledge “we are all human beings first”.
“After he spoke about understanding the pain in the Jewish community and universality at the same time of experience, it was just spontaneous,” he told the publication.
“Hugs say a lot.”
Following the tragic Bondi incident, Kamins revealed that the Jewish community had received a lot of support, including flowers being placed in front of Woollahra’s Emmanuel Synagogues and letters from fellow religious leaders and neighbours.
“The message is, you are not alone,” he said.
“I’m hoping that over the weeks and months ahead, as there is, you know, the ability to heal or process the trauma and then heal from it, that we will be able to respond to those open hands and open hearts and know that we can create a better Australia.”
Australian National Imams Council stands in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community
A day after the devastating attack, the Australian National Imams Council released a statement, stating it “extends our support and deepest sympathies to the Jewish community during this difficult time”.
“While this attack has targeted the Jewish community, it is in reality an attack on all of us, including the Muslim community. This violent terrorist act constitutes an attack on all Australians. Violence and terrorism have no place in our society, and targeting innocent people undermines the safety, dignity, and cohesion of our nation,” it said.
“ANIC and the Muslim community unequivocally condemn all attacks on civilians. Antisemitism, expressed through hate, harassment, and violence directed at the Jewish community, has no place in our society. We unequivocally reject these acts and reaffirm our shared responsibility to uphold respect, safety, and dignity for all communities in Australia.
“ANIC has made it very clear that Islam and Muslims unequivocally condemn terrorism, violence, and the targeting of civilians in all its forms. Islam clearly prohibits the killing of innocent people and the spreading of fear and harm. Islam firmly rejects extremism and terrorism in all their forms, as they contradict its teachings and values. Muslims have also been among the victims of extremism and terrorism, and we know firsthand the pain, harm, and division these acts cause.”
It also urged members of its community and representatives to reach out to their Jewish neighbours, friends and co-workers to offer support in the wake of the Bondi attack.
“As the peak body representing Imams and the Muslim community in Australia, ANIC speaks with clarity and responsibility on this matter. An attack on one community is an attack on us all,” the ANIC continued.
“This is a time for true unity and solidarity with one another, guided by our shared moral values and our common responsibility to protect the safety and dignity of every Australian.
“We will defy the division sought by those who seek to divide us.”
Events honouring the Bondi attack victims — including a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor — have been held across the country.
Some of these vigils have even brought believers from other religions together.
A memorial site at Bondi Beach has also continued to grow with bouquets, candles and messages of condolences for the victims from people from all walks of life. Members of the community have also used the memorial as a space to reflect and pay respect to those who tragically lost their lives on December 14.
NSW Health has since boosted its mental health support by deploying trained clinicians to work on the ground in Bondi and Coogee to support those who’ve been impacted by the tragedy.
These trained clinicians will be wearing high-visibility NSW Health vests, making them easily identifiable to those seeking support.
Alongside these mobile clinicians, NSW Health has signed on more staff for its Mental Health Line, which is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.
The Transcultural Mental Health Line at 1800 648 911 is also available for those who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Anyone who is feeling distressed by the Bondi attacks is urged to seek mental health services.
Help is available.
If you’re in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online. If it’s an emergency, please call 000.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Reach out to Headspace or Beyond Blue for support, or make an appointment with your GP.
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