Cr Brett Olds promises to ‘look into’ building North Qld’s first synagogue after Bondi terror attack

A terrorist attack that killed 15 Jewish Australians has sparked an unprecedented pledge to build North Queensland’s first ever synagogue in Cairns.

North Queensland rabbi Ari Ruben led a special Chanukah service on the second night of the sacred Jewish holiday, to honour those who were killed in a horrific attack in Bondi on the weekend. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

A Cairns councillor has pledged to investigate building North Queensland’s first synagogue after 15 Jewish Australians were killed in a Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

The North Queensland Jewish community, and members of Cairns’ wider faith and community groups, gathered for the second night of Hanukkah at the Trinity Beach Community Hall on Monday night.

North Queensland Rabbi Ari Ruben led a special Chanukah service on the second night of the Jewish holiday, which was opened to the public, to honour those who were killed in a horrific anti-Semitic attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

North Queensland Rabbi Ari Ruben led a special service and paid tribute to those who died, including friend and colleague Rabbi Eli Schlager.

“Instead of being able to celebrate like we did, he was murdered in front of his menorah, the symbol of light,” Rabbi Ari said.

“Therefore, we are filled with pain, terrible darkness. The hate feels real, and for many of us, it’s scary, but we know that light can always shine, even in the worst places.”

Cairns Deputy Mayor Brett Olds promised to look into building a synagogue in Cairns to ensure the North Queensland Jewish community had a permanent place of worship in the region. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

Community leaders including Cairns mayor Amy Eden, Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith and Deputy Mayor Brett Olds shared words of comfort and solidarity to the gathered group.

Mr Olds announced he would work with council to look into building a synagogue.

“For a place like Cairns, we’ve got a very large Jewish community, and I think it’s one of the only places where the community is large that doesn’t have a synagogue,” Cr Olds said.

“I made a commitment to (Rabbi Ari) this morning that I’m going to work with (the) council and with the private business people and we’re going to get you a home out here in Cairns, hopefully on the northern beaches.”

Members of the public joined the North Queensland Jewish community for a special Chanukah service at Trinity Beach on Monday night, after a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach sent shockwaves throughout the tight-knit religious community on the first day of Chanukah on Sunday. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

Rabbi Ari welcomed plans for a synagogue, with none built in the region despite 100 years of Jewish settlement across North Queensland.

“If that synagogue ends up being created, that will be the first synagogue in North Queensland’s history in Cairns, so of course that fills us with incredible optimism and pride and joy for that to happen,” he said.

Israeli Australian Or Ben Ezra said it was heartwarming to see so many Australians stand in support with the Jewish community.

Jewish men Or Ben Ezra and Graeme Sherr observed Chanukah with the Jewish and wider Cairns communities at a vigil event organised by the Chabad North Queensland after an horrific attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

“It (the Bondi attack) got us all really shaken and it’s really nice to see the support from the community, but still it’s something that is still heartbroken,” he said.

“The people that were chanting for (intifada), they got it, and I don’t think there is a place for it because we are such a diverse community with all nationalities and all religion, and I would wish we could all live in peace and love and prosperity forever.”

Another vigil will be held at the Cairns Esplanade at 5pm on Sunday, December 21.

Originally published as Cr Brett Olds promises to ‘look into’ building North Qld’s first synagogue after Bondi terror attack