The Palestine Action Group says it’s “appalled” by comments from Antisemitism Envoy Jillian Segal, linking the March for Humanity across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to yesterday’s Bondi terror attack targeting the Jewish community, which killed 15 people.
“We are shocked and absolutely horrified by the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which targeted the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” the statement began.
“Our thoughts are with all those who have suffered due to this appalling attack, with the families of all the dead, and especially with the Jewish community. No one, anywhere in Sydney or anywhere in the world, should have to live in fear of terrorism or racist hate.”
The statement then reaffirmed the long-standing unity between pro-Palestine supporters with members of the Jewish community who have protested alongside the group.
“We reiterate our complete condemnation of antisemitism and all other forms of racism,” the statement continued.
“For years, we have stood and marched in our hundreds of thousands, side by side with members of the Jewish community, to fight for a world free of racist violence and oppression, from Sydney to Gaza. Antisemitism has never had any place in our movement, nor in the world we want to live in.”
The statement concluded by calling out Segal for “seeking to exploit this tragedy to try to blame it on the March for Humanity, which saw 300,000 people, including thousands of Jewish people, march peacefully together to oppose genocide and racism”.
“We must not let Israeli politicians, Segal, or the far right, turn this tragedy into further racist hate,” it said.
Segal — who was appointed by the Australian Government as its first-ever Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia in July 2024 — has publicly criticised the pro-Palestine messaging following the Bondi massacre.
“Unfortunately, I have to say that I have been holding my breath, fearing that something like this would happen. Because it hasn’t come without warning,” Segal told ABC Radio National.
“From October 9, when we saw that hatred in a demonstration at the Sydney Opera House that was not stopped, then we saw the next icon in Sydney, the Harbour Bridge — I know people saw that as a demonstration for peace, but we saw terrorist flags and glorifying extremist leaders there at that demonstration. And now Bondi Beach, the third icon.”
While addressing the media earlier today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he had spoken to Segal, as well as other members of the Jewish community, adding that “we will continue to work with the community”.
“My government will continue to stand with Jewish Australians and continue to stand, to stamp out antisemitism in all of its forms,” Albanese said.
At the time of writing, 16 people have been confirmed dead, including a 10-year-old girl. One of the shooters is amongst those killed, while his son remains in hospital under police guard.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said during his press conference that 42 people were in NSW hospitals overnight receiving treatment. Two police officers sustained gunshot wounds and are both in a serious but stable condition.
The incident, which has officially been declared a terrorist attack, is Australia’s worst mass shooting in 29 years.
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