A loss for K’lal Yisrael: Unity after terror

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Our response to Sunday night’s terror attack at Bondi should be “to become stronger and bigger,” Chabad of Bondi spiritual leader Rabbi Yehoram Ulman told mourners, including politicians, at the shule on Monday night.

“Our response is not to run away, not to lie low, because that’s what they want from us,” an emotional Rabbi Ulman said.

Chabad of Bondi’s Chanukah celebration was the target of Sunday’s attack, with many of the victims from within the community.

“It’s a tragedy, first of all, for the families,” Rabbi Ulman. “It’s also a loss for the whole community. And it’s also a loss for K’lal Yisrael, for all of our people.”

Rabbi Ulman begged the government not to empower terrorism, drawing links between anti-Israel demonstrations in the streets, calls at the Opera House to “gas the Jews”, and the massacre. He ended his speech by saying, “There’s nothing that brings us strength as our unity.”

Rabbinical Council of NSW president Rabbi Shua Solomon said the Jewish communtiy “refuse to be diminished”.

“We commit ourselves to honouring their memory, not only with words but with action, by standing as proud Jews, by deepening our involvement in community, and by strengthening Jewish life with courage, unity and faith,” he said.

“Their legacy will live on through how we live, how we care for one another and how we stand tall as Jews.”

In Melbourne, over 2000 packed Caulfield Shule on Monday night. Many politicians attended including Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who was booed.

Zionism Victoria president Elyse Schachna said, “We do not need more statements. We do not need more carefully crafted words. We need decisive action from leaders, from institutions, from law enforcement, and from all who claim to care about the kind of country Australia should be.”

Zionist Federation of Australia CEO Alon Cassuto said, “Words have consequences, and silence has consequences.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion remarked, “The silent majority are speaking, and they are speaking in support.” A student from Xavier College also addressed the crowd, who had earlier this year organised a student petition against antisemitism sent to Bialik College.

Jewish Community Council of Victoria CEO Naomi Levin read the names of the known victims, and prayers were said for the healing of the injured. Rabbi Daniel Rabin lit a memorial candle as well as the Chanukah candles, joining the attendees in song.