NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper and the NSW Faith Affairs Council have strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, describing it as a targeted act of antisemitic violence and an assault on the fabric of Australian society.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, Kamper said the scenes at Bondi were “truly horrific,” confirming that the Chanukah by the Sea event and the Jewish community had been deliberately targeted.
“This is a despicable and cowardly act that has no place in our country,” Kamper said. “It is an attack on the very fabric of our nation.”
Expressing condolences to those affected, the Minister said his heart went out to the victims and their families, and he thanked first responders and members of the public who assisted the injured in the aftermath of the attack.
“They showed the very best of our nation,” he said, adding that police had commenced their investigation and that the attack would be met with a “widespread law enforcement response.”
Mr Kamper stressed that hatred, violence and antisemitism have no place in Australia.
A joint statement was also released by the NSW Faith Affairs Council and the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, extending their “deepest sympathies” to the victims.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone impacted by this unspeakable act of violence,” the statement said, noting the profound impact on the Jewish community at a time when families should have been coming together to mark the start of Hanukkah.
Faith and multicultural leaders urged the people of New South Wales to remain united in the face of tragedy.
“In the face of this tragedy, we call on the people of New South Wales to remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, humanity and to each other as Australians,” the statement said.
“We will not let hatred and violence divide us. Across all our cultures and faiths, we will stand united in sympathy, compassion and solidarity.”
The joint message was issued by the Right Reverend Dr Michael Stead, Chair of the NSW Faith Affairs Council; Simon Chan AM, Chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board; and Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW.
Investigations into the Bondi Beach terror attack remain ongoing.
