Sport world offers hope after Bondi terror

The sporting world has been hit hard by the tragedy and ongoing trauma from the deadly terror attack at the communal event at Bondi Beach on the first night of Chanukah, whilst being a source of light and hope by offering solidarity and support.

Two of the people murdered in the terror attack, that have been identified so far, were valued members of Sydney’s grassroots football and rugby union communities respectively.

French citizen Dan Elkayam, 27, loved travelling, nature, football, and involving himself in Jewish communal life wherever he was.

He represented France in football at the 2022 Maccabiah Games in Israel.

He arrived in Sydney about a year ago to start work as an engineer, and joined Rockdale Ilinden FC, who in a tribute posted on social media on Monday, described him as “an extremely talented and popular figure amongst teammates”.

“It is with extreme shock and sadness to discover our Premier League 1 player, Dan Elkayam, was a victim of the horrendous, tragic and senseless events at Bondi Beach on Sunday.

“Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Dan’s family, friends, and all that knew him.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement posted on X that is was with “deep sadness” that he learned of his death in the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi.

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and I express to them the full solidarity of the nation.”

Another man murdered in the attack was Peter Meagher, a long-serving volunteer referee, and men’s first grade team manager since 2018, for Randwick Rugby Club.

After retiring from the NSW Police Force after decades of service, Meagher pursued photography, and was on assignment at Chanukah by the Sea.

In a statement of tribute, Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union, and the NSW Waratahs described Meagher as “a beloved member of the Galloping Greens, who dedicated countless hours [through volunteering].

“He followed in the footsteps of his father Ron, and grandfather Wally – a Wallabies Hall of Fame member – in serving the club.

“He was one of the heart and soul figures.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s family, friends and clubmates, as well as all the victims of Sunday’s tragedy.

“We also thank our first responders, emergency services, and everyday citizens, for their selfless heroism in the face of terror.

“Rest in Peace, Marzo”.

Many Maccabi sport clubs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, as well as AJAX Footy Club and Hakoah FC, reached out to members and their families by email and via social media, sharing messages of comfort and support, and urging them to get in contact if they are struggling to cope.

Maccabi Australia did the same, and also provided contact details for state government and Jewish communal support services available in Sydney and Melbourne, for anyone in need.

Their message offered thoughts and prayers for “the victims, their families, and all members of the community affected, including NSW Police, and those who have been injured.

“We are grateful for the many messages of concern and support from around the world.

“In moments of tragedy such as this, the spirit of Maccabi compels us to come together.”

At least two dozen Jewish Australian athletes shared individual messages of solidarity, reflection, and care for others, in public posts or stories on social media, following the tragedy, from Futsalroo Noah Feilich to Dundee United striker Zac Sapsford, Wollongong Wolves FC keeper Daniel Solsky, and canoe slalom Olympic gold medallist siblings Jess and Noemie Fox.

In a raw and heartfelt video message, Noemie Fox said “My heart is just completely ripped apart for the Jewish community today . . . [and] the wider Bondi community, and everyone as a whole.”

Reflecting on growing up in western Sydney, she added, “It’s really been the Eastern Suburbs [Jewish] community that have lifted up my family, and really taken us in, to keep that part of our culture alive, and I’m deeply grateful to them, and so my heart really breaks for everyone affected by this.

“It’s just so un-Australian, and so scary for us all . . . but you know, what is beautiful to see are the acts of solidarity and unity happening now.

“Reach out to those that you know may be affected.

“Tonight, as I light the second Chanukiah candle, I’ll be praying for peace and love.”

Solsky wrote, in light of the tragedy at Bondi, “I urge my Jewish and non-Jewish friends to speak up and stand up to antisemitism and hate . . . don’t leave it to the person next to you”.

Sydney FC men’s captain Rhyan Grant, in a video message, noted how the Jewish and broader Eastern Suburbs community “all play a big role in our club, [so] I’d like to stand in solidarity with those within our [Sydney FC] community – particularly those who were injured, and those who have lost loved ones”.

Statements and social media posts expressing solidarity for the Jewish community, thoughts for friends and relatives of the deceased, those injured, and thanks for the first responders and emergency services personnel, were made by the Australian Olympic Committee, Football Australia, and professional sport clubs including the North Melbourne Kangaroos, and the Sydney Roosters.

Less than a week earlier, five Roosters players and the club’s CEO visited Chabad of Bondi’s shule with Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was murdered in the terror attack.

On Tuesday morning, the Sydney Swans AFL team laid wreaths in front of the Bondi Pavilion.

Cricket’s Big Bash League announced that all matches in the first round will include a tribute and one minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the attack, and Cricket Australia said members of the Australian team will wear black arm bands, and Australian flags will be lowered to half mast, during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.

Meanwhile overseas, Werder Bremen fans at a December 15 Bundesliga home game held up a banner with the message “Globalising the intifada means killing Jews – solidarity with Sydney”.

And in the Israeli Premier League, Beitar Jerusalem players wore black arm bands during their Monday night match in solidarity with Sydney’s Jewish community.