A tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia left 15 people dead, marking a devastating moment for the country’s Jewish community. The incident occurred on Sunday and is now recognized as Australia’s deadliest shooting since the Port Arthur massacre nearly three decades ago. The attack, carried out by two gunmen using six licensed firearms, has raised deep concerns about rising antisemitism within the nation.
For many in Australia’s small Jewish population, Bondi Beach has long served as a sanctuary, a place where families escaping historical persecution could find solace. Located in Sydney, Bondi Beach is known for its picturesque views and vibrant community, attracting millions of tourists each year. Yet, this idyllic setting was shattered on that fateful day when gunfire erupted on a lawn, instilling fear and sorrow among local residents.
Among the mourners was Carole, who expressed her anguish near a memorial at Bondi Pavilion, stating, “They wanted to kill Jews.” In her grief, she articulated a sentiment shared by many: “All we want to do is live in peace, work hard, pay our taxes and love our fellow Australians.” The community now grapples with a painful new reality.
Grief Turns to Anger
This recent attack has prompted outrage directed at the Australian government, with accusations of allowing antisemitism to grow unchecked. Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, whose mother fled the Holocaust, voiced feelings of betrayal during a memorial service, stating, “Our prime minister, our government, has allowed Australia to be radicalized on his watch.”
In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the need for a stronger response to hate speech. He announced new measures, including an “aggravated hate speech” offense and increased powers for the home affairs minister to revoke visas held by hate preachers. “We have all seen vision of hate preachers where we are shocked that that is happening in Australia,” said Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
The aftermath of the shooting has seen local businesses reconsider their operations. Avner’s bakery, a beloved community spot in Surry Hills known for its bagels, announced its closure, citing a history of persistent antisemitic attacks. Owner Ed Halmagyi reported incidents of vandalism and threats, stating, “It is no longer possible to make outwardly, publicly, proudly Jewish places and events safe in Australia.”
A Community United in Mourning
The youngest victim of the Bondi attack was Matilda, just 10 years old. In her memory, mourners have left flowers and toys at the memorial, symbolizing the vibrant spirit she brought to her community. As the Jewish community in Bondi buried their dead, funerals were livestreamed to family members around the world, highlighting the global connection of grief and solidarity.
The climate of fear has been exacerbated by rising antisemitic incidents since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This followed a surge of public protests in Australia, where demonstrators expressed solidarity with Palestine, but some Jewish Australians fear these gatherings can lead to an increase in local hate incidents.
Despite the challenges, community leaders are determined to push back against hate. Rabbi Yossi Friedman has been present at the memorial, publicly reciting the names of those killed, ensuring they are not forgotten. “That is what happens when hate goes unchecked,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for unity against intolerance.
As Australia reflects on this tragic chapter, the nation faces the reality that no community is immune to the threat of violence born from hate. In a show of solidarity, the country will observe a national day of reflection, lowering flags to half-mast in honor of the victims. The Bondi community, alongside the broader Australian society, continues to seek healing and strives to reclaim the peace that was so abruptly taken from them.
