Bondi centre stage at Premier’s Harmony Dinner
Several speeches mentioned the attack, there was a Q&A with hero Ahmed al-Ahmed, and a beautiful musical tribute by members of the Jewish band Chutney
The Bondi Beach terror attack and its aftermath were front and centre at Thursday night’s NSW Premier’s Harmony Dinner, with several speeches mentioning the attack, a Q&A with hero Ahmed al-Ahmed, and a beautiful musical tribute by members of the Jewish band Chutney.
Around 1600 people – the largest attendance ever – packed the grand ballroom at Sydney’s International Convention Centre for the event, at which members of different communities were also honoured for their contributions to NSW.
Premier Chris Minns said December 14 “was a day that we’ll always remember”.
“It was an attack on members of our community, the Jewish members of our community. It was designed to intimidate and to frighten, but also to scatter and silence, to drive a wedge of suspicion between us,” he said.
“But tonight, instead of retreating from one another, instead of giving in to that threat, we’ve come out here as one united community to show the world what the real Australia looks like.”
Minns praised the paramedics, police officers, and surf lifesavers “who heard gunshots in Bondi and ran towards the danger”.
He also paid tribute to the Indian community in Harris Park who “came together to light a candle in solidarity”, the Rockdale mosque that projected a menorah onto the side of their building, and the Australians of different backgrounds who donated blood in the aftermath of the massacre.
The Premier also took the opportunity to promote the One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign. “[It] might be checking in on someone in need, practising some gratitude, leading with warmth, offering to help without being asked, including someone who’s been left out,” he said. “These are small, everyday actions, but when we repeat them across the community, they grow and grow. They gather pace and they build into a wave of kindness that can truly change people’s lives.”
Pausing to remember those whose lives were lost at Bondi, Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper made special mention of the Jewish organisations in attendance, including the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Chabad NSW, Chabad of Bondi, Jewish House and JewishCare.
He said the Harmony dinner this year “carries a deeper significance”.
“In the wake of the Bondi tragedy, we’ve been reminded that harmony is not just something that we celebrate, it’s something we must actively protect,” he said.
“In a moment that shook our community, what defined us was not fear, but compassion. Strangers helping strangers, first responders showing extraordinary courage, and a community that chose unity over division.
“That is the real story of New South Wales. Our strength lies not just in our diversity, but in the way we live. We live it every day, with respect, with openness and with a shared sense of belonging.”
Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta said the lesson of the Bondi tragedy was that rather than sticking to old ways, we should care for each other and create a better Australia where everyone feels safe, feels they belong and shares a common commitment to this country.
“And lastly, to the Jewish community, you didn’t deserve this. You deserve to feel safe in this country,” he said. “I think all of us want to walk with you to make sure that no person is ever targeted again because of their faith. And we’re sorry.”
In conversation with La Posta, al-Ahmed, who confessed to having cried during the national anthem earlier in the evening, said the Bondi attack had spurred him to fight for unity and equality in “this beautiful country” known for peace and diversity.
“My mind is still in that day, December 14, which is the saddest day of my life,” he said. “I’m proud because I saved lots of people’s lives.”
He said dealing with the subsequent fame and attention has not been easy, adding “I’m a guy. I would like to be normal.” At the conclusion of the Q&A, al-Ahmed was presented with a Community Hero Award for his bravery.
In a particularly poignant moment of the evening, Ben Adler and Paul Khodor from Chutney – appearing courtesy of Shir – played a haunting version of the Hebrew song “Eli, Eli”, in honour of the victims of the Bondi attack. Towards the end of their performance, the duo segued into “Waltzing Matilda” as the names of the 15 victims were shown on the screen behind them.