People across many cultures and faiths have condemned the Bondi terror attack against the Jewish community, which has resulted in the death of 16 people.
Sunday afternoon saw the deadliest mass shooting on Australian soil since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach during a celebration of the first day of Hanukkah, resulting in the deaths of 15 victims. One of the alleged gunmen is dead, while the other remains in custody.
“Last night’s attack in Sydney was a shocking reminder of the threats our community faces,” the Community Security Group Victoria, an organisation for the safety of the Jewish community, said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with those impacted, but our focus is firmly on the safety of the Victorian Jewish community.”
Victoria Police deployed additional resources to key Jewish community locations on Monday.
The targeted attack on a Hanukkah celebration has shocked the world, with many expressing support for the Jewish community.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, whose Victorian mosque is located in Melbourne’s south-east, “unequivocally” condemned the attack and provided a statement from their international leader.
“On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide, I condemn in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attack targeting innocent members of the Jewish community in Australia. Nothing can ever justify such acts of violence,” World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said.
“As Muslims, our faith requires us to show love, compassion and grace to people of all faiths and beliefs. Our heartfelt sympathies are with all those affected by this tragedy, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who have been injured.”
La Trobe MP Jason Wood said his thoughts were with the community and the many affected families of this ‘horrific’ attack.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and also our courageous law enforcement and emergency workers who responded,” he said.
Premier Jacinta Allan spent Monday morning with Jewish community leaders.
“I reaffirmed the full support of our government, alongside Victoria Police, to ensure Hanukkah can be celebrated safely and without fear,” Premier Allan said.
“This is what we stand for as a nation: people free to practise their faith and live without fear.
“No act of horror or terror will ever be allowed to threaten that.”
