Religious leaders condemn Bondi terror attack
Interfaith solidarity as Muslim, Catholic, Orthodox, Hindu and Druze communities speak out.
Religious leaders across Australia have united in condemning the terrorist attack on a Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community and calling for national unity.
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) issued a statement declaring that “an attack on one community is an attack on us all” and affirming that “antisemitism, expressed through hate, harassment, and violence directed at the Jewish community, has no place in our society”.
“We will defy the division sought by those who seek to divide us,” ANIC said, urging Muslims to “reach out to their Jewish neighbours, friends, and colleagues to offer support and comfort during this difficult time”.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said the violence had “shaken Australians to the core” and condemned “the scourge of antisemitism”.
“The twisted motives behind those who perpetrated these terrible acts are now clearly linked with the scourge of antisemitism,” he said. “This is a shocking and deeply distressing reality which calls into question our own understanding of ourselves as Australians.”
Sydney’s Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher called for prayer in the attack’s immediate aftermath.
“As we follow the horrific news coming from this evening’s shooting at Bondi Beach, let us pray for those who have been killed or injured,” he said.
“May Our Lady, Queen of Peace, intercede for all affected, and for our beloved city at this time.”
Aystralia’s Greek Orthodox Archbishop Makarios expressed “profound grief” and declared that “whoever kills while invoking God does not serve their faith but betrays it”.
“Every act that violates the sanctity of human life is reprehensible, even more so when it undermines our peaceful coexistence, which constitutes a fundamental achievement of Australian society,” he said.
The Australian Hindu community Community said it stood “in unwavering solidarity with the Jewish community” and called upon “Australians of all backgrounds to come together, reject hatred in all its forms, and support one another with empathy and resolve”.
The Lebanese Muslim Association said its thoughts were with all those impacted by the “horrific incident”.
“Violence against innocent people has no justification and no place in our society. It is a betrayal of our shared values and must be unequivocally condemned,” it said.
The Australian Druze Cultural Centre extended “condolences and prayers to the members of the Jewish community” and condemned “all acts of violence and attacks aimed at destroying the very fabric of society, tolerance, unity and faith”.
The Muslim World League also issued a statement “strongly condemning strongly condemning the terrorist attack targeting a gathering of Australian citizens in Sydney”.
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