Cultural Perspectives Group's statement on the Bondi Beach terror attack

Cultural Perspectives Group expresses its deepest condolences to the victims, their families and the wider community affected by the deeply disturbing terror attack in Bondi yesterday. What should have been a time of light, faith and family for the Jewish community has instead been marked by unimaginable loss and grief.

We also recognise and honour the actions of those present at the scene – with many responding with extraordinary courage, compassion and a determination to assist and protect others. It is both fitting and deeply moving to see people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds act as lifesavers in a moment of profound crisis.

Antisemitic violence affects us all - it affects us through the senseless loss of life, through the erosion of our collective sense of safety, and through the profound challenge it poses to the values of social justice and religious and cultural freedom that underpin our shared civic life.

The aftermath of this tragedy will be difficult for our entire community. It compels us to confront human vulnerability in the face of hatred, to respond collectively to the grief that touches us all, and to reconsider how we experience and inhabit our public spaces.

We urge everyone today to reach out to our communities to offer support and encouragement, and to stand together as we respond to this reprehensible act and work toward healing and reconciliation to those who work tirelessly to foster social cohesion and a peaceful, multicultural society.

We stand with the Jewish community during this national tragedy.