Faith leaders launch One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign
Acts of kindness include volunteering, donating, giving blood, calling someone you haven't spoken to in a while, buying a neighbour a coffee or supporting those in need
NSW faith leaders have launched the One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign, calling on all Australians to undertake one act of kindness, compassion or charity in response to Sunday’s terror attack.
The campaign was initiated by the NSW Faith Affairs Council following an emergency session held the day after the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people.
The expanded Faith Affairs Council was joined by Rabbi Nochum Schapiro of Chabad House and Rabbi Benjamin Elton of the Great Synagogue.
When asked what faith communities could do to help the Jewish community, Schapiro made two requests: to stand with the Jewish community and show unambiguous support, and to do one mitzvah – an act of kindness or charity – to bring some light into the world.
The Faith Affairs Council, with support from the Minns government, is asking all Australians to undertake one act of kindness and share their good deed using #OneMitzvahforBondi or by visiting nsw.gov.au/onemitzvah.
Acts of kindness include volunteering, donating, giving blood, calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, buying a neighbour a coffee or supporting those in need.
Chair of the NSW Faith Affairs Council Right Rev Dr Michael Stead said the campaign embodied the commitment to love and compassion at the core of faith communities.
“The NSW Faith Affairs Council encourages everyone to take part in the One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign, to spread warmth and kindness to our fellow Australians,” Stead said.
“I would like to sincerely thank our Jewish leaders for their grace and guidance during this unfathomable period of grief.”
Rabbinical Council of NSW president Rabbi Shua Solomon said the response to profound darkness must be with light.
“This unspeakable horror has touched every Jew and every Australian. Our only response to this profound darkness can be with light,” Solomon said.
“We ask every Australian to honour the memory of our lost not only with words but with action, unity and faith – by doing good.”
Multiculturalism minister Steve Kamper said the Jewish community had responded to the terrible atrocity with remarkable kindness and compassion.
“This call to action is the remedy our heartbroken city requires at this time. It can be something as small as calling in on a neighbour, or an act of service like helping out at a food kitchen or donating blood,” Kamper said.
“Every single one of us has an obligation to build the world we want to live in. Now is a time for us to unite, first and foremost, as fellow Australians.”
The attack occurred on Sunday evening when gunmen opened fire on families celebrating Chanukah at the annual Chanukah by the Sea event at Bondi Beach. Among those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary based in Sydney, and 10-year-old Matilda.
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