Jewish event in Melbourne cancelled after Bondi terror attack
A Chanukah event at Caulfield Racecourse has been cancelled and extra officers have been deployed to synagogues after the Bondi terror attack. Political leaders Jacinta Allan and Jess Wilson have spoken out on the mass shooting.
Melbourne’s Jewish community is on high alert and a Chanukah event has been cancelled following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach.
Victoria Police have deployed additional officers to Caulfield and the broader Glen Eira area – the heart of Melbourne’s Jewish community – as a precaution and will step up its presence around synagogues.
In a statement Victoria Police said there was “no threat known locally” but recognised that fear was circulating in the community.
“Victoria Police joins Australia in expressing its shock and distress at the unfolding events in Bondi this evening,” a spokesperson said.
“As a precaution we are immediately deploying additional resources to the Caulfield and broader Glen Eira area to provide reassurance to the local Jewish community.
“We are also immediately increasing police resources allocated to Operation Park, established in October 2023 to monitor and co-ordinate the investigation of offences associated with the Middle East conflict, which are predominantly targeted at Jewish people.”
This includes an increased police presence around places of worship, as well as schools and community halls.
It comes after the Community Security Group sent an alert on Sunday night saying they were working closely with both NSW and Victoria Police.
“Due to the unfolding events in Sydney, a decision has been made, out of an abundance of caution, that Chanukah at Caulfield Racecourse is now cancelled,” a statement read.
“If you are yet to arrive at the event, please make your way home.
“CSG is currently managing the exit from the event.
“We thank community for their understanding and cooperation at this time.
“CSG is in constant contact with our NSW counterparts and Victoria Police and will update community as soon as more information becomes available.”
Prominent Melbourne Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann told the Herald Sun he knew some of the victims.
“I am in shock and my community is in shock,” he said.
“I know some of the victims and I am still processing the fact that something so evil could happen here.
“The effects of this shooting will reverberate across Jewish communities in Australia and around the world.
“The fact this could happen during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights adds to the horror.
“During such a difficult time the Jewish response is always to pray for the wounded, come together, and refuse to bow in the face of such darkness.”
Premier Jacinta Allan offered her thoughts to those impacted by the mass shooting, including the first responders.
“The incident that has unfolded in Bondi this evening is horrifying and distressing,” she wrote on X.
“My thoughts are with all those impacted by this horrific incident and with the first responders who are dealing with this traumatic event.
“Tonight all Victorians stand with New South Wales and everyone who is grieving right now.”
Ms Allan issued a second statement at 10.55pm labelling the mass shooting a “targeted, antisemitic act of terror”.
She said she had spoken to Jewish leaders and that police would be available to ensure Hanukkah can be observed “safely, freely and without fear”.
“Tonight, Australians are struggling to comprehend an act of hatred and terror that goes against everything we believe in and stand for,” she said.
“It occurred at a time that should be marked by joy, safety and celebration for Jewish families.
“The thoughts of all Victorians are with the victims and their families, and with everyone affected by this horrific attack.”
Ms Allan pledged to do “everything in our power” to make Jewish Australians were safe.
“To Jewish Victorians: you should never have to carry fear in this country,” she wrote.
Her additional comments came after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared the mass shooting a terrorist attack.
Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson called the horrific attack a “repugnant act of targeted violence”.
“No Australian should live in fear for being who they are or for celebrating their faith,” she wrote online.
“No Australian should be subjected to acts of such extreme violence.
“This conduct and the hateful views that drive it are intolerable and must be stamped out.
“Tonight is the first night of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah; a Festival of Light among darkness.
“Yet once again, the Jewish community is subjected to unimaginable darkness after two years of escalating antisemitism and violence.”
The Board of Imams Victoria said the local Muslim community was “enraged at the terrorist shooting of innocent civilians celebrating Hanukkah” in Bondi.
“The BOIV denounces this deplorable and horrific attack, killing a dozen and injuring many more,” a statement read.
“Acts of violence and crimes against innocent people have no place in our society.
“Those responsible should be brought under the full force of the law and held accountable for the heinous crimes committed.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and all those who have witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic and merciless attack.”
A highly visible police presence was stationed in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday night.
Multiple police officers were seen patrolling the areas surrounding Federation Square, which had played host to a Jewish Chanukah celebration.
The free Chanukah “Pillars of Light” festival was due to run from 5pm to 8pm but concluded early when the horrifying news came through.
Acting Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell was attending the Fed Square event and said there was a sense of shock reverberating through the crowd.
She said the event concluded early to ensure the safety of those attending.
“Our hearts are with the people of Sydney, particularly the Waverley community, and the Jewish community following this deeply distressing event,” she said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe gathering in public places, practising their faith and going about their lives without fear.”
“There is absolutely no place for acts of violence or hatred in our country – and we stand united against hate.”
Victoria Police said the Hanukkah celebrations at Federation Square ended early.
“This was not in relation to any direct threat and additional police were provided to support both events,” they said.
“Victoria Police stands with the Jewish community.”
Originally published as Jewish event in Melbourne cancelled after Bondi terror attack
