A vigil led by prominent criminal lawyer Peter Lavac took place outside the Bondi Pavilion on January 18, gathering over 120 participants to honour the victims of the December 14 Chanukah terror attack and to express solidarity with the Australian Jewish community. The event served as a platform for Lavac to voice his discontent with the Australian government and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding their response to the attack.
Participants at the vigil displayed a range of symbols, including Israeli flags and the pre-1979 flag of Iran. Lavac commenced the gathering by reading aloud the names of the 15 individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Although not Jewish himself, Lavac articulated a message of empathy, stating, “Today we want to show the world that we – ordinary Aussies – care about our Jewish brothers and sisters – we feel their pain, we feel their suffering, and we stand with them.”
As the event progressed, Lavac expressed his frustration with the government’s actions, or lack thereof, in the wake of the attack. He criticized Albanese for being “dragged kicking and screaming” to initiate a Royal Commission into the incident, emphasizing that such an inquiry should have been established following the firebombing of the Melbourne Addas Israel synagogue in December 2024.
Lavac revealed plans for potential legal actions against the federal government, including proposals to demand the dismissal of Albanese by the Governor General, initiate a private prosecution for gross criminal negligence, or file a civil class action for breach of duty in protecting Australian citizens.
Voices of Grief and Responsibility
Among the speakers at the vigil was Dr Isaac Balbin, a cousin of Reuven Morrison, one of the victims of the Bondi attack. Balbin emphasized the importance of acknowledging the ideology behind the violence, stating, “To name the ideology that is responsible for the Bondi Beach massacre is not prejudice, it’s not racism – it is responsibility, and it’s clarity.” He identified radical Islamism, in alliance with socialism, as the catalyst for the tragic events.
Balbin warned that failing to confront this ideology could lead to further violence, highlighting the need for solidarity with those who oppose such extremism. He expressed admiration for the courage shown by the Iranian people, contrasting it with Australia’s current climate.
Another speaker, Yaakov Travitz, leader of the Lions of Zion, criticized the government for attempting to differentiate between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, asserting that the two are inherently linked. He called for unity and activism, declaring, “The stronger our voices, the stronger our impact.” In a bold message to adversaries, Travitz affirmed, “I will stand right in front of them and say, I’m an extremely proud Jew, and extremely proud Zionist, and an extremely proud Australian!”
A Moving Tribute
The vigil concluded with Lavac and fellow racing car enthusiasts driving a slow lap across Bondi Beach, releasing helium-filled bee-shaped balloons in memory of Matilda Bee Britvan, the youngest victim of the attack at just ten years old. This poignant act underscored the deep communal grief felt in the wake of the tragedy.
The gathering not only highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish community in Australia but also underscored the urgent call for governmental accountability in addressing such incidents. The event stood as a testament to the resilience of the community and their commitment to advocating for justice and safety.
