UPDATE: Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared that the promise made by Australia to its Jewish community has been shattered, following the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach. Speaking at the “Light against Terror: Chanukah Massacre Memorial” event on November 1, 2023, Morrison emphasized the urgent need to address the rising antisemitism that led to this tragedy.
Morrison stated, “The promise of Australia to the Australian Jewish community has been broken.” He expressed deep concern that the recent attack reflected years of an environment that allowed antisemitism to flourish in the country. “It shatters my heart that today, the generations that have followed Holocaust survivors now consider fleeing this place of safety for another,” he lamented.
The memorial drew significant attention as Morrison highlighted that antisemitism surged following the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. “Each test that came after that was failed, leading to this horrific outcome,” he said, referencing the loss of lives and the emotional toll on families.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who also spoke at the gathering, expressed his solidarity with the Jewish community, stating, “The soul of the nation has been stained.” He urged Jewish Australians to remain, emphasizing that Australia is better than this troubling moment in history.
Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, who traveled to Australia immediately following the attack, described the incident as a significant escalation in violence previously unseen in the country. He noted, “Since October 7, we have heard more about antisemitism and violent incidents.” Chikli criticized the lack of serious responses to recent protests that displayed extremist flags and chanted incitements against the Jewish community.
The emotional weight of the event was felt deeply, as Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Chabad of Bondi, who lost his son-in-law in the attack, spoke about the pain and loss experienced by the Jewish community. He briefly stepped away from the memorial to take a call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Chikli praised the courage of those who defended against the terrorists, highlighting the bravery of individuals like Ahmad El Ahmed and others who put their lives on the line. He also acknowledged the support from non-Jewish Australians attending the event, stating, “It was powerful to see Australians standing with their Jewish neighbors.”
This urgent situation continues to unfold, raising critical questions about the safety and security of the Jewish community in Australia. Morrison’s remarks and the sentiments expressed at the memorial resonate with many who are grappling with the implications of this attack and the growing climate of fear.
As authorities respond to these developments, the call for unity and action against antisemitism has never been more pressing. The memorial event underscores the need for immediate societal reflection and a commitment to ensuring safety for all communities in Australia.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
