‘An attack on us all’: Tasmania’s leaders condemn antisemitic Bondi attack
Tasmanians have rallied around their Jewish community with flowers and heartfelt messages after a terrorist attack targeted Hanukkah celebrations at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Tasmanians have joined in the worldwide expressions of shock and grief at the massacre at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
“We stand with you.”
That is among one of many heartfelt messages left outside the doorstep of the Hobart Synagogue on Monday morning.
Another among the flowers outside the front gate of the holy site says: “To my Jewish fellow countrymen and women, deepest condolences, support, sorry and sympathy. Daniel”.
‘We will wrap our arms around the Tasmanian Jewish community’: Premier
Premier Jeremy Rockliff issued a statement on the tragedy.
“I’ve reached out on behalf of all Tasmanians to Premier Chris Minns, offering our support and condolences, particularly to those who have lost loved ones, family and friends, and the broader New South Wales community,” he said.
“I want to acknowledge and pay tribute to all community members who ran to support each other through the horror and tragedy Australians witnessed at Bondi.
“The very best of people within this country - citizens supporting each other and, of course, the first responders who so bravely looked after those injured.
“This attack was directed at members of the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah.
“This was an act of evil antisemitism, an act of terrorism. There is no place in Australia or anywhere for this violence.
“This morning, I convened the Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet. This includes Tasmanian Police Commissioner, Donna Adams.
“Tasmanian Police stands ready to support New South Wales if additional resources are required.
“Our Police service has a very strong relationship with the Tasmanian Jewish community, and they will continue to work with event organisers to ensure community safety is absolutely prioritised.
“I’ve spoken to some leaders within the Tasmanian Jewish community, and offered my sincere condolences.
“We will wrap our arms around the Tasmanian Jewish community. We are there to support each other in what is a time of deep distress and deep hurt.
“I want to reassure Tasmanians that Tasmania is a safe place and we will do everything needed to ensure that Tasmanians both feel and are safe in their community.”
Labor leader Josh Willie posted to Facebook on Sunday night saying it was difficult to comprehend the devastation.
“To Jewish Tasmanians and Australians - we stand with you in solidarity and grief at this horrific time,” he said.
“Nobody should ever fear for their safety or lose their lives because of who they are or what they believe in.”
Greens acting leader Vica Bayley condemned the attack as an “abhorrent act of targeted violence”.
“Hate and violence has no place in our society. anti-Semitism has no place in our community.
“Everyone should be able to safely practice their faith without fear of harm. What should have been a joyful and sacred celebration has been turned into heartbreak.
“Our thoughts are with the Tasmanian Jewish community who are no doubt grieving, feeling devastated and unsafe. We stand with you in shock, sadness and condemnation.
“We send our condolences to those who have family, friends and loved ones impacted by the attack at Bondi.
“In the face of this atrocity, we must unite in care and compassion to reject extremist violence.”
Governor recognises brave bystanders
Governor of Tasmania Barbara Baker issued a statement saying Tasmanian joined the rest of the nation in mourning the tragic events.
“At this distressing time, our thoughts are with the Jewish community who were celebrating the first night of Hanukkah,” she said.
“We send our sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible attack. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones and witnessed this unimaginable terror.
“Amid the tragedy, may we think of the first responders and brave bystanders who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to assist others.
“May we join together to ensure all members of our community feel safe and loved.”
Multicultural Council expresses ‘deep sadness’
The Multicultural Council of Tasmania expressed “its deep sadness and sorrow following the tragic and abhorrent terrorist attack in Bondi yesterday”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the victims and their families, who have suffered unimaginable and devastating loss. We also acknowledge and thank the first responders for their swift, courageous, and professional actions in responding to this horrific incident,” Multicultural Council of Tasmania chair Jade Lisaid in a statement.
“We extend our love, solidarity, and support to Jewish Australians who have once again been targeted by a shameless act of antisemitism — this time on the first day of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.
“Any attack that targets a community in this way is an attack on us all, on the Australian way of life, and on our shared values of inclusion, respect, and multicultural harmony.”
Federal member for Clark Andrew Wilkie condemned the attack and said the Jewish community was in his thoughts.
“The people of the Clark electorate join the rest of Australia in condemning the horrific attack at Bondi Beach yesterday,” he said.
“Our hearts go out to the Australian Jewish community, and in particular to everyone touched by this barbaric assault.
“It was also an affront to the broader Australian community who are shocked, and distressed, that something so wicked and hateful would happen in our successful multicultural nation.
“The heroism of those people who ran towards the danger to save others shines a light on the real character of this country.”
Royals send their deepest condolences
Tasmanian-born Queen Mary of Denmark and husband King Frederik issued a statement via their official channels.
“We and the people of Denmark are profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the terror attack at Bondi Beach today. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to all those affected, their loved ones, the people of Australia and the Jewish community.”
Thoughts also with our blue family: Tas Police boss
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams extended their “deepest sympathies” to the families and friends of those killed or injured in the attack.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are also with the two members of our blue family from NSW Police injured in the incident,” she said.
“Tasmania Police are engaged with our local Jewish community to provide reassurance at this challenging time.
“There is no intelligence at this time indicating there is any heightened threat in Tasmania.
“I will be writing to NSW Commissioner to offer our condolences and support, including any practical support that might be required.
“Tasmania Police stands in solidarity with all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley condemned the attack on his Facebook page.
“Our hearts are broken,” he said.
“There is no place for this evil in Australia.”
Hobart City Council also issued a statement sharing heartfelt condolences with the victims, families and the Bondi and Jewish communities.
“As a community, we must come together to support one another, stand against violence and racism, and foster a sense of safety and care for all,” the statement said.
Tasmania police have reminded those affected by or struggling with yesterday’s events, know that help is available 24/7.
Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
13 Yarn: (24/7): 13 92 76
Kids Helpline Official: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Beyond Blue Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
1800 RESPECT Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online.
MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.
Suicide Call Back Services (24/7): 1300 759 487
Access Mental Health (24/7): 1800 332 388
Medicare Mental Health (8.30am-5pm): 1800 595 212
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call triple-0 (000).
