Archbishop of Sydney: An attack on the Jewish community is an attack on us all

By Kielce Gussie and Christopher Wells

What was supposed to be a community celebration for the Jewish feast of Hanukkah turned into a tragic scene as at least 16 people were killed, including a young child, and many others injured at Ausrtalia's Bondi Beach on the evening 14 December.

Speaking with Vatican News’ Christopher Wells, the parish priest of St. Ann’s and St. Patrick’s Churches at Bondi Beach, Fr. Anthony Robbie, shared his initial reaction to the shooting was one of shock and distress.

Moreover, Fr. Robbie expressed fear for the young people in the community as Sydney has “a predominantly young adult population” and “many of them were on the beach at the time.” One of whom he spoke with as the parishioner was escaping from the gunmen.

Mourners gather at a tribute at the Bondi Pavillion in memory of the victims of the shooting, which killed 16 people   (AFP or licensors)

For a number of people this triggered another haunting memory as last April six people, including the assailant were killed at Bondi Junction. As a result, the parish priest shared that some people are concerned these types of attacks “are going to become a regular part of our lives.”

Offering prayers for those affected

Fr. Robbie added that the local Catholic community is expressing their solidarity and offering support for those affected together with the local Jewish spiritual and community leaders. The Catholic churches at Bondi are being kept open all day every day and people have been filling into them the day after the shooting.

Last evening, a memorial Mass was held in honor of the victims and survivors. “It had a very, very high attendance, and people stayed for a long time afterwards in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament”, Fr. Robbie recounted.

But, now he is asking for support—from everyone around the world. “We’re just asking for everybody’s prayers for the consolation and comfort of the people who are still a bit jittery and frightened and apprehensive of the situation out here.”

Antisemitism must stop

In the aftermath of the harrowing events of the mass shooting, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher issued a statement arguing that the terrorist attack “must lead to change.”

In his statement, Archbishop Fisher described the attack as a “brazen and callous disregard for human life”, whilst calling the hatred of some people towards all Jews an “unspeakable evil that must be repudiated by every Australian.” He stressed that any attack on an individual Jew is an attack against the entire Jewish community.

Archbishop Anthony Fisher

Any such attack is “an affront to our way of life as Australians” and “must be condemned unequivocally and justice for the victims delivered swiftly.”

Archbishop Fisher pointed out that over the last two years, there has been a festering atmosphere of public antisemitism that has resulted in intimidation, division, demonstrations, and “the normalisation of incendiary language”. These actions have “turned up the temperature and perhaps contributed to radicalisation. This must stop.”

For the archbishop, this attack struck a personal chord as his great grandmother was Jewish. Yet, he pointed out that it is something personal for all Christians as they “are children of the Jews. And so, an attack on the Jews is an attack on all of us.”

A challenge to Catholics 

In the midst of the tragedy, Archbishop Fisher noted some “traces of goodness” in the “the extraordinary bravery from police, ambulance officers and lifesavers, as well as from bystanders; and in the generosity of spirit of those offering help to those affected.”

He expressed his deepest condolences to the entire Jewish community and assured them of prayers. “We love our Jewish neighbours and friends, and we must do all we can to keep them safe”, the Archbishop of Sydney explained.

Mourners gather at a tribute at the Bondi Pavillion in memory of the victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach, in Sydney   (AFP or licensors)

He also closed his statement with a promise: “The Catholic community will redouble its efforts to combat antisemitism through education and preaching.” The local Catholic community is offering educational and counselling services to their Jewish neighbors while continuing to hold services for the dead, injured, and traumatised.

Archbishop Fisher noted that Hanukkah and Christmas are held during the same time and center on faith, family, gifts, and light. He offered prayers that God will “grant wisdom to our leaders and pour healing and hope upon our community at this time.”